Twelve Against The Gods
By William Bolitho
Published by William Heinemann Ltd: London 1930 1st
Edition
"William Bolitho's Twelve Against the Gods (William Heinemann Ltd: London, 1930) is a bold and provocative exploration of the adventuring spirit that drives history's great rebels and visionaries. In twelve vivid biographical essays, Bolitho examines figures such as Alexander the Great, Casanova, Mohammed, Napoleon, Lola Montez, and others who defied convention, moral boundaries, or divine order in their pursuit of glory, freedom, and self-expression. Written in a dazzling, aphoristic style, the book argues that all true adventurers share a restlessness of spirit—a desire to transcend ordinary limits, even at the cost of destruction. Bolitho's portrayal of these lives is neither hagiographic nor moralizing, but a celebration of daring individuality against the constraints of fate and society.
A critical and popular success on its release, the book captured the interwar generation's fascination with charisma, willpower, and the psychology of greatness. Its unconventional mix of biography, philosophy, and literary flourish gives it a timeless appeal, blending historical insight with existential reflection. Twelve Against the Gods remains one of the twentieth century's most distinctive meditations on the human drive to challenge destiny. This work would appeal to readers of historical biography, seekers of inspiration in unconventional lives, and admirers of literary essays that fuse intellect, irony, and adventure."
Light wear and fading to covers and spine as shown. Includes all plates. Carries a nice contemporary inscription. Light spotting to text block edge with pages overwhelmingly clean and very well presented. All pages are present and the book is complete in 381 pages. A nice copy in good to very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 24cm x 17cm x 4cm - 381 Pages
