Media:Paperback Edition:Trade Paperbacak 2006 Number Of Items:1 Pages:155 Shipping Weight (lbs):0.6 Dimensions (in):8.7 x 5.9 x 0.6
ISBN:0978738918 EAN:9780978738914 ASIN:0978738918
Publication Date:September 1, 2007 Shipping:Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Availability:Usually ships in 24 hours
Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 5
1
Manolete and Islero's dance of deathMay 27, 2008 This book is a simple to read book that deals with a controversial subject( bullfighting), but more importantly the day of the death of one of the greatest bullfighters ever, known simply as, Manolete. The dramatic presentation by Barnaby Conrad is moving and includes his relationships and the reasons for his contemplation of retirement. The buildup to the day Islero(the bull) took Manolete's life as they performed the dance of death together, each succumbing to the passions of the crowd and each paying the ultimate price with their death. The story is well told, allbeit rather short. The photographs are intense, capturing the swirling cape and momentum of the approaching beast in frozen moments of black and white reality. Although the author covers some aspects of Manolete's rise to become Spain's hero, in truth , this is not a biography but rather as the title implies, the fateful day the resulted in "The Death of Manolete." Barnaby Conrad is a knowledgeable aficionado who has written several superb books on the subject of bullfighting, Matador,MY LIFE As A MATADOR. The Autobiography of Carlos Arruza. With Barnaby Conrad., and the essential Barnaby Conrad's Encyclopedia of Bull Fighting.That said, it goes without saying that he is well versed in the subject of tauromaqia. This day in the life of portrait is amazing in it's simple eloquence. The final part of the book , from the point of the mortal goring is not for the faint of heart. The photographs reveals the most intimate moments of death. Included is a photograph of the cartel(poster) announcing the corrida(bullfight) where he shared billing for the last time with the aging and soon to retire Gitanillo de Triana and the upcoming hotshot Luis Miguel Dominguin on that fateful August 28th day of 1947 when Islero and Manolete would become immortal in the annals of tauromaqia. There is also a complete list of the corridas Manolete participated in from 1939 to 1947, that includes the names of the other matadors on the cartel and the awards given to Manolete; his list of triumphs is very impressive. A great classic book for the aficionado of the corrida de toros(bullfight) that is not to be missed and included in your collection.
The Death of ManoleteFebruary 15, 2008 This is a difficult book to review, you have to have a passion for bullfighting, and after living in Spain for 14 years I definatly have a passion for bullfighting, this book is about one of the most talented matadors in the history of the bullfight, his artistry, and dedication were a true insperation to all who tried to follow in his shadow. I would recomend it to all who would like to know the person better, and have an open mind about bullfighting.
A little underwhelmingOctober 22, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm not really sure who this book is for: it's too short and superficial to appeal to devotees and others knowledgeable about bullfighter Manuel Laureano Rodriguez (aka Manolete) and it's also too short and superficial to capture the imagination of non-fans like me who just happened to come across the book and gave it a whirl.
To be fair, I listened to the audiobook version of "The Death of Manolete" (two CD's, unabridged), so I'm not getting the benefit of the reference information (list of bullfights, lists of awards and honors bestowed, etc.) and many photographs that apparently grace the print version. These things are certainly not included with the audiobook. Also, author Barnaby Conrad's verbal narration of his book leaves a little to be desired. It's understandable, but little else, certainly not dramatic, enthusiastic, nor in any other way imparting a "hey, this is a great story, so listen up" quality.
Again, I think the print version of this book is probably more passable, though I do hope that this apparently quite notable figure in Spanish history has- somewhere out there- a more comprehensive, passionate book or two written about him in addition to this one.
A legend ....September 26, 2006 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
On Thursday, August 28, 1947, in the bull ring at the Spanish town of Linares, a thiry-year-old millionaire called Manolete (Manuel Laureano Rodriguez) and a Miura bull named Islero killed each other. Conrad recounts Manolete's extraoridinary life here for the first time in English. In combining pictures and text, the reader sees the breeding that made the Spanish boy, the tempering that made the young torero, the sacrifice that made the man, the girl who brought him love, the acclaim that brought him incredible success and finally its price...the undoing that began slowly and ended in one last great afternoon and in a death that if not untimely put out the brightest flame in Spain. Manolete had fired the Latin imagination as no one had done since the Cid. He had become a symbol of Latin pride, valor, and chivalry. But the crowds owned him and he did their bidding...and they had bid him to die.
146 pages. Also includes pages of his performances from the year he became a matador until his death. (From 1939-1946). Oh, Lord, it even includes what the trophies were (1 ear, 2 ears and a tail, etc).
This is for the 1958 edition, 3rd printing. Houghton Mifflin Co. Endpapers are red and white with matadors and bulls on them. Lots of pictures and even some of funeral.
Contents...July 14, 2005 8 out of 9 found this review helpful
On Thursday, August 28, 1947, in the bull ring at the Spanish town of Linares, a thiry-year-old millionaire called Manolete (Manuel Laureano Rodriguez) and a Miura bull named Islero killed each other. Conrad recounts Manolete's extraoridinary life here for the first time in English. In combining pictures and text, the reader sees the breeding that made the Spanish boy, the tempering that made the young torero, the sacrifice that made the man, the girl who brought him love, the acclaim that brought him incredible success and finally its price...the undoing that began slowly and ended in one last great afternoon and in a death that if not untimely put out the brightest flame in Spain. Manolete had fired the Latin imagination as no one had done since the Cid. He had become a symbol of Latin pride, valor, and chivalry. But the crowds owned him and he did their bidding...and they had bid him to die.
146 pages. Also includes pages of his performances from the year he became a matador until his death. (From 1939-1946). Oh, Lord, it even includes what the trophies were (1 ear, 2 ears and a tail, etc).
This is for the 1958 edition, 3rd printing. Houghton Mifflin Co. Endpapers are red and white with matadors and bulls on them. Lots of pictures and even some of funeral.