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Black Lamb and Grey Falcon

A Journey Through Yugoslavia
Series: Canons
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( 2,634 ratings, 410 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
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West is a detailed travel memoir that delves into the history, culture, and politics of Yugoslavia in the late 1930s. Through the author’s vivid and insightful descriptions, readers are taken on a journey across the Balkan Peninsula, exploring its diverse communities and complex past.
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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 this book if you are fascinated by Balkan history and culture, and appreciate rich, immersive narratives. The author's keen observations and descriptive prose will transport you to the heart of Yugoslavia, offering deep insights into its people and landscapes.

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A travel literature classic. Introduced by Geoff Dyer: 'As a book about Yugoslavia it's a kind of metaphysical Lonely Planet that never requires updating'

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
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West is an extraordinary blend of travel memoir and historical analysis, undertaken during a six-week journey through Yugoslavia in 1937. Spanning over 1,000 pages, this epic work offers a detailed exploration of the landscapes, cultures, and political tensions of a region on the precipice of war. West meticulously documents her travels while engaging deeply with the rich history and complex social tapestry of Yugoslavia's diverse communities.

This monumental masterpiece is more than just a travelogue; it is a profound examination of the causes and consequences of conflict, offering timeless reflections on human nature and the forces that shape our world. Through vivid descriptions and insightful commentary, West brings to life the intricate beauty and tragic history of the Balkans, making it accessible and compelling to the reader.

'Impossible to put down' - Observer

'One of the great books of the century' - Times Literary Supplement

Rebecca West's epic masterpiece not only provides deep insight into the former country of Yugoslavia; it is a portrait of Europe on the brink of war. A heady cocktail of personal travelogue and historical insight, this product of an implacably inquisitive intelligence remains essential for anyone attempting to understand the history of the Balkan states, and the wider ongoing implications for a fractured Europe.

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon is essential reading for history enthusiasts, travellers, and anyone interested in the lasting impacts of conflict on societies. Through West's eloquent prose and sharp observations, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex Balkan region, which continues to influence European geopolitics today.

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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?

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West is widely praised for its exceptional quality and depth, being described as one of the great books of the century. Reviewers highlight it as a captivating travel book and historical narrative that is both timeless and reflective of its era, filled with passion, scholarship, and intuitive observations. It is celebrated as a masterpiece that offers rich insights into Yugoslavia, blending observation, history, philosophy, political ideas, and ironic humour seamlessly.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786891631

Publisher: Canongate Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 July 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Canongate Canons

Edition: Main - Canons

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Geoff Dyer

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 52.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 856g

Pages: 1216

About the Author

Rebecca West (1892-1983) was the adopted name of Cicily Isabel Fairfield. She was born in London in 1892 and educated in Edinburgh. Poet, critic and author, West published several novels to widespread acclaim, including The Return of the Soldier and The Judge. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1959. Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, her magisterial history and travelogue of Yugoslavia, is widely considered her magnum opus.

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