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Looking for Trouble
'One of the truly great war correspondents: magnificent.' (Antony Beevor)
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See moreThis sensational 1941 memoir of life on wartime Europe's frontline by a trailblazing female reporter is an 'unforgettable' (The Times) rediscovered classic, introduced by Christina Lamb (who calls her 'the Forrest Gump of journalism').
This sensational 1941 memoir of life on wartime Europe's frontline by a trailblazing female reporter is an 'unforgettable' (The Times) rediscovered classic.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Looking for Trouble by Virginia Cowles is a riveting account of one woman's courageous journey through some of the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. As a trailblazing female correspondent, Cowles takes readers on an extraordinary adventure across war-torn Europe from the Spanish Civil War to the frontlines of World War II.
With a keen eye for detail and a talent for vivid storytelling, Cowles brings to life the fall of Paris to the Nazis. She captures the chaotic atmosphere of London on the first day of the Blitz and provides a gripping portrayal of Berlin when Germany invaded Poland. Her experiences in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War, the tension-filled days in Prague during the Munich crisis, and the harsh conditions in Lapland as Russian forces attacked, are relayed with clarity and emotional depth.
Cowles' journey does not end there; she was also in Moscow during the ultimate betrayal by the Germans, adding another layer of intrigue and intensity to her narrative. Throughout her travels, she offers an unparalleled eyewitness perspective, allowing readers to feel as if they are alongside her, experiencing these historical moments firsthand.
Cowles' approach to journalism was fearless and unconventional. From discarding her heels under shellfire to meeting Adolf Hitler, whom she describes as "an inconspicuous little man," and sharing light-hearted gossip with Winston Churchill by his goldfish pond, her accounts are as personal as they are historical. In one memorable scene, she dances in the bomb-blasted Ritz, illustrating her audacious spirit and unyielding dedication to reporting the truth.
Introduced by Christina Lamb, Cowles' incredible dispatches make you an eyewitness to the twentieth century as you have never experienced it before. Her insightful and engaging narratives are complemented by her candid reflections on the characters and events that shaped history.
New York Times Book Review describes Cowles as "an amazingly brilliant reporter" and hails Looking for Trouble as "one of the most engrossing [books] the war has produced."
This book is a testament to Virginia Cowles' remarkable career and enduring legacy as one of the most insightful and daring journalists of her time. Her work continues to be an invaluable resource for understanding the human dimension of historical events and the spirit of those who dare to look for trouble in pursuit of the truth.
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?
Looking for Trouble by Virginia Cowles is highly praised for its vivid and atmospheric descriptions of wartime events. The author's talent for being present during critical moments and her engaging, compassionate storytelling make it an unforgettable read. The combination of drama, wit, and insightful reporting has garnered widespread acclaim.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780571367559
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 October 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Edition: Main
Contributors:
- Introduction by Christina Lamb
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 460g
Pages: 560
About the Author
Virginia Cowles OBE was born in Vermont in 1910. She gravitated to journalism in her youth, writing features for Hearst Newspapers, and reported from Civil War Spain in 1937. She then covered wartime Europe as a roving correspondent for the Sunday Times among other publications, as well as the BBC and NBC. Celebrated by Antony Beevor as 'one of the truly great war correspondents of all time', Cowles recalled her experiences in her memoir Looking for Trouble (1941), which Faber are republishing with a new foreword by Christina Lamb. She later reported from North Africa as special assistant to the American ambassador in London. In 1945, Cowles married Aidan Crawley, a British journalist and former fighter pilot who had spent years in a German POW camp and later became a politician and film-maker; they had three children. As well as writing a play with Martha Gellhorn, Cowles was a historian and biographer whose subjects included Winston Churchill and the Romanov, Rothschild and Astor families. She was killed in an automobile accident in France in 1983.
Christina Lamb OBE is a bestselling author and Chief Foreign Correspondent at the Sunday Times. Ever since reporting from Afghanistan in 1987 aged 22, she has won prestigious awards for her unflinching coverage, including the Prix Bayeux as well as being named Foreign Correspondent of the Year five times. Lamb has also written nine books including the bestselling The Africa House, I Am Malala, and, most recently, Our Bodies, Their Battlefield: What War Does to Women. She lives in London with her family.
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