Still considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting Deathin the Afternoon is an impassioned look at the sport by one of its trueaficionados. ... » 

Still considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting Deathin the Afternoon is an impassioned look at the sport by one of its trueaficionados. It reflects Hemingways conviction that bullfighting was more thanmere sport and reveals a rich source of inspiration for his art. The unrivaleddrama of bullfighting with its rigorous combination of athleticism andartistry and its requisite display of grace under pressure ignitedHemingways imagination. Here he describes and explains the technical aspectsof this dangerous ritual and the emotional and spiritual intensity and pureclassic beauty that can be produced by a man an animal and a piece of scarletserge draped on a stick. Seen through his eyes bullfighting becomes a richlychoreographed ballet with performers who range from awkward amateurs tomasters of great elegance and cunning.A fascinating look at the history and grandeur of bullfighting Death in theAfternoon is also a deeper contemplation of the nature of cowardice andbravery sport and tragedy and is enlivened throughout by Hemingways sharpcommentary on life and literature. «