The extraordinary and enduring memoir of Axel Munthe, a travel bestseller since first published in 1929, captures the spirit and feel of an era
Born in Sweden in 1857, Axel Munthe trained to be a doctor in Paris at a precociously early age, establishing a fashionable practice (Maupassant and Strindberg were his patients) and quickly gaining an international reputation. He became the friend of royalty; Tsar Nicholas asked him to look after his son -- Rasputin was their second choice.
'One of the most fascinating of books, wise in its appraisal of men, overflowing with humour and edged with irony, sharper than a surgeon's knife. There are chapters which are veritable de Maupassant plots in their concise and dramatic realism.' -- New York Herald Tribune 'Told with a power and an honesty which makes this a very remarkable document.' -- TLS 'The Story of San Michele has style, wit, humour, great knowledge of the world, mixed with that strange simplicity of mind that is often the attribute of genius.' -- Observer 'Romantic, realistic, pitiful and enchanting, this is the record of a citadel of the soul ... all fantasy does it seem? Impossible? Absurd? But San Michele stands there on the hill for witness. A miracle? Well, every work of art is a miracle, and every beautiful thing the shrine of a realized dream.' -- Daily Telegraph 'A most interesting and lovable revelation, enchantingly described.' -- Punch 'I have found Dr Munthe's reminiscences intensely interesting and enjoyable, and it is hard to convey their charm of mingled pathos and humour or their multiplicity of appeal.' -- Illustrated London News 'It is an amazing book: wonderfully beautiful at times, appallingly horrible at others. For horrors he rivals Poe, recounting his gruesome experiences with a quiet simplicity which is strikingly effective.' -- Western Mail 'A beautifully written series of episodes from Paris to Capri, ...recounting the author's struggle to discover what he desires from life.' - Matthew Linnecar -- Geographical 20050301 'There is enough material here to furnish the writers of sensational short stories with plots for the rest of their lives.' -- Daily News 20050301
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