Bricks to Babel [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Arthur Koestler (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 697 pages
• Publisher: Hutchinson; illustrated edition edition (November 10, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0091436702
• ISBN-13: 978-0091436704
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,285,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Budapest in 1905, educated in Vienna, Arthur Koestler immersed himself in the major ideological and social conflicts of his time. A communist during the 1930s, and visitor for a time in the Soviet Union, he became disillusioned with the Party and left it in 1938. Later that year in Spain, he was captured by the Fascist forces under Franco, and sentenced to death. Released through the last-minute intervention of the British government, he went to France where, the following year, he again was arrested for his political views. Released in 1940, he went to England, where he made his home. His novels, reportage, autobiographical works, and political and cultural writings established him as an important commentator on the dilemmas of the 20th century. He died in 1983.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long on insights - short on dogma., July 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Bricks to Babel (Hardcover)

Koestler is a remarkable man, and his work is the product of his many experiences. Disillusioned member of the Russian communist party, imprisoned during the Spanish civil war,refugee from the holocaust, philosopher, scientist, historian, Koestler comments on many subjects from quantum physics to ESP to evolution. It is rare to find so many insights with so little dogma. A true multi-disciplinarian, he is essential reading for anyone developing a life-view. "Bricks to Babel" is part auto-biographical, part essay, and part extracts from Koestler's key works. It's a must-read for anyone familiar with Koestler's work, and a perfect introduction for anyone who isn't. Hard to find, but worth waiting for