Arrow in the Blue

4.34 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 242 ratings, 27 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Arrow in the Blue is an autobiographical account by Arthur Koestler, exploring his early life from his birth in 1905 to his political awakening in 1931. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous historical events, Koestler provides insights into his youth, intellectual development, and the social currents that influenced his journey from Hungary to Germany and Palestine. The memoir showcases Koestler's evolving ideas and the foundation of his future literary and ideological endeavours.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Arrow in the Blue. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This captivating memoir may appeal to you if you have an interest in 20th-century history and enjoy insightful, candid narratives about personal transformation and political awakening. Arthur Koestler's writing provides a unique perspective on his early life, making it a compelling read for those fascinated by the complex interplay of ideas, culture, and the personal experiences that shape a writer's journey.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Arrow in the Blue

The first volume of the remarkable autobiography of Arthur Koestler, author of Darkness at Noon.

In 1931, Arthur Koestler joined the Communist Party, an event he felt to be second only in importance to his birth in shaping his destiny.

The remarkable first autobiography by the internationally acclaimed author of Darkness at Noon

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The remarkable first autobiography by the internationally acclaimed author of Darkness at Noon.

The first volume of the remarkable autobiography of Arthur Koestler, author of Darkness at Noon.

In 1931, Arthur Koestler joined the Communist Party, an event he felt to be second only in importance to his birth in shaping his destiny. Before that point, he lived a tumultuous and varied existence. He was a member of the duelling fraternity at the University of Vienna; a collective farm worker in Galilee; a tramp and street vendor in Haifa; the editor of a weekly paper in Cairo; the foreign correspondent of the biggest continental newspaper chain in Paris and the Middle East; a science editor in Berlin; and a member of the North Pole expedition of the Graf Zeppelin.

Written with enormous zest, joie de vivre and frankness, Arrow in the Blue is a fascinating self-portrait of a remarkable young man at the heart of the events that shaped the twentieth century.

The second volume of Arthur Koestler's autobiography is The Invisible Writing.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Arrow in the Blue, Arthur Koestler's autobiography, is praised for its deep and moving portrayal of an entire generation alongside a personal narrative. The work is described as overwhelming in its impact, combining high-level intellectual journalism with cultural insight. It is considered by some to be one of the most remarkable autobiographies since Rousseau's confessions.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784876173

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 September 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Arthur Koestler was born in Budapest in 1905. He attended the University of Vienna before working as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East, Berlin and Paris. For six years he was an active member of the Communist Party, and was captured by Franco in the Spanish Civil War. In 1940 he came to England, adopting the language with his first book in English, Scum of the Earth. His publications manifest a wide range of political, scientific and literary interests, and include Darkness at Noon, Arrow in the Blue and The Invisible Writing. He died in 1983 by suicide, having frequently expressed a belief in the right to euthanasia.

Also by Arthur Koestler

View all

More from Biography & Memoir

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.