The Leopard

Discover the breath-taking historical classic
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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
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa explores the decline of an aristocratic Sicilian family during the societal upheavals of the 19th century in Italy. The narrative centres on the charismatic Prince of Salina and his attempts to navigate the inevitable changes brought about by the rise of a new social order. Through a richly detailed portrayal of the Sicilian landscape, the author delves into themes of power, tradition, and the passage of time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy reading this classic of historical fiction if you're intrigued by the intricate dynamics of power, class struggles, and the transitioning world of 19th-century Sicily. With its rich characters and lavish descriptions, it offers a profound exploration of change and continuity amidst political upheaval.

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The Leopard

As the head of the aristocratic family, Don Fabrizio is accustomed to knowing his own place in the world and expects his household to run accordingly. He is aware of the changes which are rapidly making men obsolete but he remains attached to the old ways. But Don Fabrizio will make few accommodations for the modern world.

This is the new, revised edition which includes recently discovered new material including letters and diary entries by the author and two additional sections of the novel.

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

NOW A MAJOR BBC DRAMATISATION FOR RADIO 4 - AVAILABLE ON BBC SOUNDS

This is the new, revised edition which includes recently discovered new material including letters and diary entries by the author and two additional sections of the novel.

The Leopard is a modern classic which tells the spellbinding story of a decadent, dying Sicilian aristocracy threatened by the approaching forces of democracy and revolution.

'There is a great feeling of opulence, decay, love and death about it' - Rick Stein

In the spring of 1860, Fabrizio, the charismatic Prince of Salina, still rules over thousands of acres and hundreds of people, including his own numerous family, in mingled splendour and squalor. Then comes Garibaldi's landing in Sicily and the Prince must decide whether to resist the forces of change or come to terms with them.

'Every once in a while, like certain golden moments of happiness, infinitely memorable, one stumbles on a book or a writer, and the impact is like an indelible mark. Lampedusa's The Leopard, his only novel, and a masterpiece, is such a work' - Independent

INCLUDES RECENTLY DISCOVERED NEW MATERIAL

'Perhaps the greatest novel of the century' - L.P. Hartley

'The poetry of Lampedusa's novel flows into the Sicilian countryside...a work of great artistry' - Peter Ackroyd

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?

The book is praised for its opulent and decaying atmosphere, exploring themes of love and death. It is hailed as a masterpiece and an indelible work, often described as one of the greatest novels of the century. Despite its historical setting, it is valued more for its timeless artistry and poetic portrayal of the Sicilian landscape.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099512158

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 September 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Edition: Revised edition

Contributors:

  • Translated by Archibald Colquhoun
  • Translated by Archibald Colquhoun

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 193g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa was a Sicilian nobleman, Duke of Parma and Prince of Lampedusa. He was born in Palermo in 1896 and died in Rome in 1957. He lived the life of a literary dilettante, was familiar with the great literatures of the world, and was widely travelled. Much of Lampedusa's other work is collected in The Siren and Other Writings.

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