Telegram from Guernica - Hardcover

Rankin, Nicholas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0571205631 ISBN 13: 9780571205639

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 2003

Synopsis

Who was the special correspondent whose report shocked the world, galvanized Picasso into painting "Guernica", and earned him a place on the Gestapo's "Special Wanted List"? On April 26th 1937, amid the rubble of the bombed city of Guernica, the world's press scrambled to submit their reports. But one journalist spent an extra day exploring the scene. His investigation pointed the finger at the secret involvement of the Nazis - and was the most controversial despatch of the Spanish Civil War. George Steer, a dapper 27-year-old adventurer, was a friend and supporter of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Sellassie I. As a foreign correspondent he alerted others to the Fascist game-plan in Africa and Europe, initiated new field propaganda techniques, and saw military action in Ethiopia, Spain, Libya, Egypt and Madagascar. Without Steer, the true facts about Guernica's destruction might never have been known. In this biography, Nicholas Rankin evokes all the passion, excitement and danger of an extraordinary life, right up to Steer's premature death in the Burmese jungle on Christmas Day 1944.

About this title

Review:

(Rankin's) beautifully written book represents a timely revival of one of the great reportage writers of the last century. -- Observer, 6 April 2003

(Steer) deserves this excellent memorial that Rankin has given him -- Times, 5 April 2003

A gripping read, sympathetic to Steer and well grounded by Rankin's extensive research, both literary and in the field. -- New Statesman, March 2003

A splendidly researched, deeply moving and compellingly readable biography of George Steer ... Rankin is a first-rate historian. -- Literary Review, April 2003

A splendidly researched, deeply moving and compellingly readable biography of George Steer. -- Literary Review, April 2003

An absolutely wonderful book, brimming with restrained empathy and intelligence and sensitivity. It will win many plaudits. -- Nicholas Shakespeare

An immensely timely and informative book. We can only benefit from a reminder of the passion and commitment of real journalism. -- AL Kennedy

Brings the story of the intrepid George Steer graphically to life, and makes for compelling reading. -- Richard Pankhurst

I read every word with fascination. Steer's was a marvellous life, well worth recording. -- Jan Morris

This is a fine book by a fine writer about an extraordinary man. -- Doris Lessing

Book Description:

Telegram From Guernica: The Extraordinary Life of George Steer: Reporter, Adventurer and Soldier by Nicholas Rankin is the incredible and thrilling true story of the embedded journalist George Steer who exposed the truth behind the bombing of Guernica in 1937.

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0571205631
• ISBN 13: 9780571205639
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256