Iron Curtain: From Stage to Cold War

ISBN-13: 9780199239689 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 448 str.

Patrick Wright

Opis

Starting with the original use of "iron curtain" to describe an anti-fire device fitted into theatres, this engaging volume tells the story of how the term evolved into a powerful metaphor that shaped the world for decades before the onset of the Cold War. Along the way, Wright offers fascinating perspectives on a rich array of historical characters and developments, from the lofty aspirations and disappointed fate of early twentieth century internationalists, through the topsy-turvy experiences of the first travelers to Soviet Russia, to the theatricalization of modern politics and international relations. And, as Wright poignantly suggests, the term captures a particular way of thinking about the world that long pre-dates the Cold War--and did not disappear with the fall of the Berlin Wall or the collapse of the Soviet Union. Published in paperback to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, this brilliant culture history illuminates the life and legacy of this powerful metaphor.

Recenzje

Review from previous edition Some of the most vigorous, ironic and generous-hearted prose of any historian of our day... magnificent. Fred Inglis, The Independent

O autorze

Patrick Wright is a writer with an interest in the cultural dimensions of modern life. He is the author of a number of highly acclaimed best-selling history books, including The Village that Died for England (1995) and Tank: the Progress of a Monstrous War Machine (2000), described by Simon Schama as 'a tour de force.' He has written for many magazines and newspapers, including the London Review of Books, the Guardian, the Washington Post, the Independent, and the Observer, and has made numerous documentaries on cultural themes for both BBC Radio 3 and 4. His television work includes The River, a four-part BBC2 series on the Thames. He is also a Professor at the Institute for Cultural Analysis at Nottingham Trent University, and a fellow of the London Consortium.