Sven Lindqvist byl švédský autor, jehož díla se převážně řadí do literatury faktu. Jeho psaní se často zabývalo kritickým zkoumáním historie a společnosti, přičemž si osvojil náročný analytický přístup. Lindqvist zkoumal hlubší společenské a historické proudy, které formovaly lidské zkušenosti, a nabízel čtenářům pronikavé postřehy.
Sven Lindqvist's work uniquely blends travel writing with deep historical analysis, focusing on themes of race, colonialism, and genocide. His distinctive style and insightful exploration of these heavy subjects create a profound and memorable reading experience, making his books both impactful and thought-provoking.
Taking his title from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Sven Lindqvist traces Europe's dark history in Africa in the form of a travel diary and a historical examination of European imperialism and racism over the past two centuries.
Exploring the ideologies surrounding war and violence, this book delves into a pivotal moment in military history when Lieutenant Giulio Cavotti conducted one of the first aerial bombings in 1911 over North Africa. It examines the implications of this act and its lasting impact on warfare, providing a daring literary and historical perspective on the evolution of military tactics and their consequences.
One Man's Odyssey Into the Heart of Darkness and the Origins of European Genocide
Through a travel diary format, Sven Lindqvist explores Europe's troubling history in Africa, delving into the legacy of racism. By contextualizing Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," he sheds light on the chilling implications of Conrad's infamous line, "Exterminate all the brutes." The work includes nine illustrations that enhance the narrative, making it a profound examination of colonialism and its enduring impact.
Enlightening stories of courageous eighteenth- and nineteenth-century men and women who defied the racial prejudices of their communities In this unique book, Sven Lindqvist, author of the acclaimed "Exterminate All the Brutes," shows why the history of antiracist work must not be limited only to the study of racists. Here we have the inspiring stories of more than twenty eighteenth- and nineteenth-century men and women who struggled and fought against ignorance and animus, often going against the times to expose the many facets of racism and hate. Well-documented and rich in anecdote, The Skull Measurer's Mistake recounts the antiracist efforts of Benjamin Franklin, Helen Hunt, Joseph Conrad, and Alexis de Tocqueville, as well as others whose names are perhaps forgotten but whose important work lives on. Lindqvist--whose writing, Adam Hochschild has said, "leaves you changed"--shows how racist arguments emerged, and reemerged, over time. At a time when conversations about racial justice are occurring in every corner of society, knowledge of past antiracists can help us defeat racism today.
Exterminate All the Brutes and Desert Divers together in one volume. Two of the best travelogues ever written about Africa.
Terra Nullius is a journey across Australia's desert and into its shocking past. This lyrical book describes its landscape, flora and fauna and geology, tells the history of the country and reveals the shocking treatment of its Aboriginal peoples.
And Other Portraits of Men and Women Who Spoke Out Against Racism
The book profiles over twenty individuals who bravely challenged societal prejudices despite not being victims of racism themselves. Through well-documented narratives and anecdotes, it explores the historical emergence and persistence of racist arguments, highlighting the courage of those who stood against the tide of discrimination. The author's expertise in international contexts enriches the discussion, offering a multifaceted view of prejudice across different cultures and eras.
The long overdue first UK publication of one of Sven Lindqvist's best-loved books - and the one for which he is most famous in his home country - an exquisitely written meditation on the author's relationship with art.
On the 45th anniversary of its initial publication in Swedish, Sven Lindqvist's polemic on history, politics and power is finally available in English for the first time.