Ernest Hemingway's classic exploration of the history and pageantry of bullfighting, and the deeper themes of cowardice, bravery, sport and tragedy that it inspires. Still considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon reflects Hemingway's belief that bullfighting was more than mere sport. Here he describes and explains the technical aspects of this dangerous ritual, and "the emotional and spiritual intensity and pure classic beauty that can be produced by a man, an animal, and a piece of scarlet serge draped on a stick." Seen through his eyes, bullfighting becomes an art, a richly choreographed ballet, with performers who range from awkward amateurs to masters of great grace and cunning. A fascinating look at the history and grandeur of bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon is also a deeper contemplation on the nature of cowardice and bravery, sport and tragedy, and is enlivened throughout by Hemingway's pungent commentary on life and literature.
Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist known for his distinctive writing style and portrayal of masculinity. His most notable works include "The Old Man and the Sea," "A Farewell to Arms," and "The Sun Also Rises." Hemingway's writing is characterized by its spare prose, realistic dialogue, and emphasis on themes of war, love, and loss. He is credited with revolutionizing the modern American novel and influencing generations of writers with his minimalist approach to storytelling. "The Old Man and the Sea," a novella about an aging fisherman's struggle with a marlin, remains one of Hemingway's most famous and enduring works, winning him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and solidifying his reputation as a literary giant.
