TO THE BULLFIGHT

by John Marks ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Carefully defining bullfighting as an art not a sport, this is a most explicit description not only of spectacle in the bullring but also of the history, the regional variations (including the Mexican), the differing styles of the great toreros and the part tauromachy plays in Spanish life. It is an argument too against the condemnations (which never condones the use of the horses) of this nationalistic manifestation and an argument for the courage, skill and grace necessary for a great bullfighter -- and the great bulls that must complement his performance. Admitting that ""the bulls"" are an anachronism, this nevertheless draws a colorful and detailed picture of the ""cruel methods for plastic beauty"", the contrasting techniques of the fighters that have left their mark on style and form, the pattern and procedures of a corrida, and the points of good and bad bullfighting. An excellent preparation for a first exposure, sure to be experienced by new travelers to Spain or Mexico, and worthy of further study for aficionados.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1953

Categories: NONFICTION