Vendor
Brandt & Hochman Agency
Published by
Diversion Books (2018-09-25)
Current material
Final Pages
Original language
English
Themas
Politics & government

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TWELVE AGAINST THE GODS

by Bolitho, William

Hailed by Elon Musk, TWELVE AGAINST THE GODS by William Bolitho is a wonderful history of the world told through short biographies of 12 of its most influential inhabitants.

Twelve Against the Gods was an instant bestseller when it first published in 1929. In his trademark journalist style, author William Bolitho details the lives of twelve great adventurers - Alexander the Great, Casanova, Christopher Columbus, Mahomet, Lola Montez, Cagliostro (and Seraphina), Charles XII of Sweden, Napoleon I, Lucius Sergius Catiline, Napoleon III, Isadora Duncan, and Woodrow Wilson.

Bolitho shines light on both the struggles and successes that made these figures so iconic, and demonstrates how they all battled convention and conformity to achieve enduring fame and notoriety.

"We are born adventurers," Bolitho writes, "and the love of adventures never leaves us till we are very old; old, timid men, in whose interest it is that adventure should quite die out. This is why all the poets are on one side, and all the laws on the other; for laws are made by, and usually for, old men." Though his essays are nearly one hundred years old, they encompass the timeless values of perseverance, bravery, and strength of spirit that have proven to resonate with the pioneers and thought leaders of today.

William Bolitho Ryall (18911930), aka William Bolitho, was a South African journalist and writer who was a valued friend of the eminent writers Ernest Hemingway and Noël Coward.

Available rights (45)

Language	Territory	Type	Vendor	Status
Albanian	World	All	Brandt & Hochman Agency Marianne Merola	Available	View on Rightsdesk
Arabic	World	All	Brandt & Hochman Agency Marianne Merola	Available	View on Rightsdesk
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Bosnian	World	All	Brandt & Hochman Agency Marianne Merola	Available	View on Rightsdesk
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Comments

It's really quite good!

Quote: Elon Musk

#2 on Open Letters Review Best Reprints of 2018 List: "In every year, there's at least one reprint that's a genuine out-of-left-field surprise, and in 2018 that distinction goes hands-down to this new edition of Bolitho's 1929 book, a collection of charismatic and incredibly readable biographies of a dozen notable figures from history, each biography narrated with such gusto that the book feels as fresh as the day it was written. Kudos to Diversion Books for bringing this gem back to a new readership."

openlettersreview.com/posts/best-books-of-2018-reprints

Review: Open Letters Review

TWELVE AGAINST THE GODS provides an interesting perspective on what drove and impeded this group of adventurers. It's a good read for anyone who's interested in history or looking to find some motivation to switch things up and break the rules... Taking some time to read about Bolitho's thoughts on promise, risk, and success is definitely worthwhile.

www.businessinsider.sg/elon-musk-twelve-against-the-gods-william-bolitho-2016-9/

Review: Business Insider