THE ENDURING MYTH THAT MAKES US HUMANWhat makes a hero? Who better to answer that question than Lee Child…‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?’ Karin Slaughter‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page’ The TimesTHE ENDURING MYTH THAT MAKES US HUMANWhat makes a hero? Who better to answer that question than Lee Child…‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?’ Karin Slaughter‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page’ The TimesIn his first work of nonfiction, the creator of the multimillion-selling Jack Reacher series explores the endurance of heroes from Achilles to Bond, showing us how this age-old myth is a fundamental part of what makes us human. He demonstrates how hero stories continue to shape our world – arguing that we need them now more than ever.From the Stone Age to the Greek Tragedies, from Shakespeare to Robin Hood, we have always had our heroes. The hero is at the centre of formative myths in every culture and persists to this day in world-conquering books, films and TV shows. But why do these characters continue to inspire us, and why are they so central to storytelling?Scalpel-sharp on the roots of storytelling and enlightening on the history and science of myth, The Hero is essential reading for anyone trying to write or understand fiction. Child teaches us how these stories still shape our minds and behaviour in an increasingly confusing modern world, and with his trademark concision and wit, demonstrates that however civilised we get, we’ll always need heroes.‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?’ Karin Slaughter‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page’ The Times‘It's said that a Jack Reacher novel is bought every four seconds somewhere in the world. He is to crime fiction what Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' was to the western. Lee Child's genius has been to create a tough guy hero that men will envy and women will adore’ Daily ExpressLee Child is one of the world’s leading thriller writers. He was born in Coventry, raised in Birmingham, and now lives in New York. It is said one of his novels featuring his hero Jack Reacher is sold somewhere in the world every nine seconds. His books consistently achieve the number-one slot on bestseller lists around the world and have sold over one hundred million copies. Two blockbusting Jack Reacher movies have been made so far. He is the recipient of many awards, most recently the CWA’s Diamond Dagger for a writer of an outstanding body of crime fiction, the International Thriller Writers’ ThrillerMaster, and the Theakstons Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award.• LEE CHILD’S FIRST WORK OF NONFICTION Lee Child is the best-selling author of the Jack Reacher novels and it is estimated that one of his books is sold every nine seconds. In The Hero we encounter not only a brilliantly argued essay, but also glimpses into Child’s private thoughts and world. The Hero promises and delivers a behind-the-scenes explanation of the values which helped Child to build Jack Reacher.• CROSS GENRE APPEAL In its justification for the of the values behind the Jack Reacher books, The Hero will appeal to Lee Child’s existing fans, many of whom may not be readers of the TLS. As the first TLS Book, it will also spark the interest of TLS readers, some of whom may not be familiar with Lee Child. We hope that the surprise combination of a best-selling author and a literary establishment will capture the curiosity and attention of book buyers.• HEROES ARE ALWAYS TURNED TO IN TIMES OF INSTABILITY At this moment of political uncertainty, authoritarian leadership around the world, and fears for our environmental future, our culture will look for its heroes. Lee Child’s arguments about the role that the hero and the storyteller have played in the development of mankind will feel particularly relevant and insightful at this moment. Child also explores how stories have been used to manipulate audiences as well as comfort them – and how the folk hero is often turned to undermine the state.Competition: The Science of Storytelling;Into the Woods;The Hero and the Outlaw;Utopia for Realists;Heroes;Mythos;Women and Power: A Manifesto;The;Naked Ape;Odyssey;Illiad;A Thousand Ships. Will Storr;John Yorke;Margaret Mark;Carol Pearson;Rutger Bregman;Stephen Fry;Mary Beard;Desmond Morris;Homer;Bernard Cornwell
Publicat de: HarperCollins Publishers