Robert Byron

Grecia era uno de los lugares soñados por Robert Byron, el gran viajero ingles del primer tercio del siglo XX. En estas páginas relata su conquista del Monte Athos y sus monasterios. Como siempre, en su mochila no faltan la mirada ironica y penetrante, asi como una genuina fascinacion por todo lo que le rodea. Ademas, Byron cargo con su camara fotografica, y sus instantaneas ilustran esta edicion.

A travel writing classic ready to be rediscovered, Europe in the Looking Glass describes, with a mixture of laugh-out-loud humour and perceptive commentary on art and architecture, how three rich young Englishmen cross pre-World-War-Two Europe in an old car. Best known as the author of The Road to Oxiana, published in 1937, Robert Byron developed his considerable writing skills on a travel book which has not been in print since 1926. Europe in the Looking Glass describes a journey Byron made with three friends, driving across Europe between two world wars, and mixes political and historical analysis with architectural insights, classical scholarship and the day-to-day adventures of three young and not very experienced travelers. For fans of Robert Byrons work this will be a discovery; for others it will be an introduction. Turning a corner we suddenly found ourselves sliding down a precipice, tilted so far forward that it was necessary to hold ourselves back with our hands pressed against the dashboard, as half a dozen Apennine valleys beckoned invitingly below... Here [St Peters] Popes with black faces and golden crowns are wallowing twice life-size in the titanic folds of marble tablecloths, their ormolu fringes festooning upon the arms of graceful skeletons to disclose some Alice-in-Wonderland door or the grim hinges of some sepulchral grill...

Gentiluomo erudito, eccentrico ed esteta, Robert Byron scrisse opere innovative sulla civilta bizantina e sull'architettura islamica. Si sa che per un vero viaggiatore esiste un epicentro dell'attrazione e questo sta ad alcune migliaia di chilometri dell'Asia centrale fra l'Afghanistan, l'altopiano iranico e quella terra di sogni che si chiamo Oxiana, semideserta, ma popolata dal ricordo di un antico, verdissimo paradiso. Verso l'Oxiana si puo procedere sulle orme di Alessandro o di Marco Polo, ma e piu divertente seguire quelle di Byron, partendo da Venezia, porta di ogni Oriente e poi risalire verso il cuore dell'Asia da Cipro alla Palestina alla Siria e cosi via.

D. H. Lawrences "The Rainbow" is a profound exploration of human relationships and the interplay of individuality within the framework of society. Set in the English countryside, the novel unfolds across three generations of the Brangwen family, delving into themes of sexuality, identity, and the quest for self-understanding. Lawrence employs a rich, lyrical prose style characterized by vivid imagery and emotional depth, reflecting the turbulent societal changes of the early 20th century. The novel stands as a pivotal work in modernist literature, emphasizing the necessity of personal transformation, while questioning the constraints imposed by conventional norms and familial expectations. D. H. Lawrence, an influential figure in modernist literature, drew upon his own experiences of class struggle, familial discord, and the quest for authenticity as he penned this ambitious work. Growing up in a working-class family and witnessing the struggles of industrialization informed his empathetic portrayal of his characters internal conflicts. Lawrences passionate relationships and his interest in psychological and existential themes also permeate the narrative, inviting readers to engage with his own philosophical inquiries about life and love. "The Rainbow" is highly recommended for readers seeking a rich, introspective journey into human connection and the inner workings of identity. This novel not only challenges societal norms but also invites readers to interrogate their own lives in relation to the forces that shape their existence. Lawrences powerful prose and keen psychological insights make this work an enduring classic that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

Over the course of several months during 1931 and 1932, Robert Byron journeyed to three countries teetering on the brink of change. In Russia, which was stricken by famine, Lenin had just died, Stalins dictatorship was in its infancy and the Great Terror had yet to begin. Having taken the first commercial flight to India, which took an astounding seven days, Byron was thrown into the tumultuous last years of the British Raj. Gandhi was imprisoned, while rioting and clashes between Hindus and Muslims had become commonplace. Finally, Byron entered Tibet, the forbidden country. Exploring "The Land of Snows," he saw Tibet as it was when the then Dalai Lama was still ensconced in the Potala Palace, twenty years before Chinas invasion. First Russia, Then Tibet is an invaluable first-hand account of transformative moments in periods of change and upheaval.

In 1933 Robert Byron began a journey through the Middle East via Beirut, Jerusalem, Baghdad, and Teheran to Oxiana - the country of the Oxus, the ancient name for the river Amu Darya which forms part of the border between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. The Road to Oxiana offers not only a wonderful record of his adventures, but also a rare account of the architectural treasures of a region now inaccessible to most Western travellers.

Gentiluomo erudito, eccentrico ed esteta, Robert Byron scrisse opere innovative sulla civilta bizantina e sull''architettura islamica. Si sa che per un vero viaggiatore esiste un epicentro dell''attrazione e questo sta ad alcune migliaia di chilometri nell''Asia centrale fra l''Afghanistan, l''altopiano iranico e quella terra di sogni che si chiamo Oxiana, semideserta, ma popolata dal ricordo di un antico, verdissimo paradiso. Verso l''Oxiana si puo procedere sulle orme di Alessandro o di Marco Polo, ma e piu divertente seguire quelle di Byron, partendo da Venezia, porta di ogni Oriente e poi risalire verso il cuore dell''Asia da Cipro alla Palestina alla Siria e cosi via.

In 1933, the delightfully eccentric Robert Byron set out on a journey through the Middle East via Beirut, Jerusalem, Baghdad and Teheran to Oxiana. This title presents a record of his adventures and an account of the architectural treasures of a region.

Poética, erudita y ácidamente humorística a la vez, la narración que Robert Byron traza de su peregrinaje a través de Persia y Afganistán en los años treinta, en busca de los orígenes de la arquitectura islamica, es una obra maestra en su genero. Al hacer revivir con animada autenticidad a unos personajes y unos paisajes, Viaje a Oxiana se convierte en una oda apasionada a la busqueda de la aventura, en el retrato evocador de un heroico y visionario viajero.

The Station follows three high-spirited young men visiting the monasteries on Mount Athos in 1927. They examine treasures and sketch the courtyards and those who live in them. They swim ecstatically off the sparkling, deserted beaches, climb mountains, talk and share meals with monks and transcribe these conversations with relish. For life is very different for a celibate hermit on Mount Athos. Time has no meaning: the Son of God, His Virgin Mother, the Angels and the Saints are all living creatures of flesh and blood, and the Pope is a heretic. This slim book was little short of revolutionary in its championing of Greek Orthodoxy and Byzantine civilization, reversing centuries of western prejudice. It was the first of Robert Byrons travel books, revealing the flashing wit, bravery, passion and astonishing powers of visual observation which made him such an exceptional witness.

Europa por un retrovisor fue su primer libro. Italia y Grecia —amores de juventud— son evocados por un Byron exultante que todo lo observa, todo lo escribe y dibuja. La Editorial Confluencias publica esta primera obra a partir de la edición original de 1926, con la incorporación de los dibujos que el autor fue realizando a lo largo del viaje, hoy conservados en la Universidad de Yale (EEUU).

El lector se divertirá con la crónica del viaje porque hasta las mayores penalidades están contadas con humor

El libro de viajes más influyente en la mejor edición posible. Una edición (fotografías, mapas, cartas) que es un regalo a quienes osan seguir viajando hoy, libres de prejuicios, por el mundo wifi del siglo XXI.En busca de los origenes de la arquitectura islamica, Byron revive con animada autenticidad a sus personajes y paisajes, "Viaje a Oxiana" es una oda apasionada a la busqueda de la aventura, en el retrato evocador del heroico y visionario viajero.

"Viaje al Tíbet" es el relato del viaje de Robert Byron desde Londres a Gyantsé a finales de los años veinte del pasado siglo. Como acostumbra hacer en sus relatos de viaje, Byron lleva a cabo unas divertidas cronicas de viajes, en las que incluso los infortunios estan retratados en clave de humor.