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Death in the Afternoon

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Death in the Afternoon

By: Ernest Hemingway
Narrated by: Boyd Gaines
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About this listen

 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. Art & Literature Authors Customs & Traditions Emigration & Immigration Europe Social Sciences Spain Classics Sports Tradition Animal Sports Latin American
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Didn’t expect to get very far into a book on bullfighting but it is so well written it draws you in and you quickly view the whole thing sympathetically. Narration is well performed and engaging.

Compelling

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The narrator brings the book to life. It’s hard to imagine anyone doing any better. More, much more than an historical account, chronicling the history of bullfighting and bullfighters. It demonstrates Hemingway’s love and understanding of Spain and the Spanish.

Es stupendo

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Brilliant narration, some fantastic prose, interesting facts but - quite a lot of repetition. Could certainly have been shorter without losing much .

Seemed to go on forever

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I have always loved this book (I have four separate editions of it). If you are interested in the subject it is an essential read, if you are not it will probably bore you. If this book were written about any era it would still be wonderful, but the atmosphere of the 30's makes it even better.

If you enjoy it I would recommend buying the book (as old an edition as possible) for the wonderful photographs that breath life into the main protagonists.

The only downside for me (as is the case so often) is the narrator.

Unmissable if you have an interest in the subject

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A travel guide to 1930s Spanish Bullfighting shouldn't be that entertaining, but this is wonderful.

Fascinating listen.

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