The Dangerous Summer

Dasngersummer

The Dangerous Summer is a memoir by Ernest Hemingway, published posthumously in 1985. The book is an account of Hemingway's travels in Spain during the summer of 1959, where he observed and wrote about the bullfighting season. The narrative focuses on the rivalry between two prominent bullfighters, Antonio Ordóñez and Luis Miguel Dominguín.

Background

Hemingway, a long-time aficionado of bullfighting, had previously written about the subject in his 1932 non-fiction book, Death in the Afternoon. In The Dangerous Summer, he returns to the theme, providing a detailed and personal account of the corrida (bullfighting) season. The book was originally commissioned by Life magazine, which published a shorter version of the story in 1960.

Content

The memoir is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the political climate of Francoist Spain. Hemingway's narrative intertwines his observations of the bullfights with reflections on Spanish culture, history, and his own life. The rivalry between Ordóñez and Dominguín serves as the central plot, with Hemingway providing in-depth profiles of both matadors.

Antonio Ordóñez

Antonio Ordóñez was one of the most celebrated bullfighters of his time. He came from a family of bullfighters and was known for his classical style and technical skill. Hemingway had a close personal relationship with Ordóñez, which is evident in the affectionate and detailed portrayal of the matador in the book.

Luis Miguel Dominguín

Luis Miguel Dominguín was another leading figure in the world of bullfighting. Known for his flamboyant style and charisma, Dominguín was a formidable rival to Ordóñez. The book captures the intense competition between the two matadors, which was a major attraction of the 1959 bullfighting season.

Publication History

The Dangerous Summer was published posthumously in 1985, edited by James A. Michener. The book was well-received by critics and readers, who praised Hemingway's vivid descriptions and insightful commentary on bullfighting and Spanish culture.

Legacy

The memoir is considered an important work in Hemingway's oeuvre, offering a unique perspective on bullfighting and Spanish society. It also provides valuable insights into Hemingway's own life and interests during the later years of his career.

See Also

• Ernest Hemingway
• Death in the Afternoon
• Bullfighting
• Spanish Civil War
• Francoist Spain