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Invisible Cities

By Italo Calvino
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, the explorer Marco Polo describes a series of imaginative and fantastical cities to the emperor Kublai Khan. Each city is a metaphorical exploration of human desires, fears, and cultural reflections, blending poetic language with philosophical undercurrents. The dialogue between Polo and Khan frames this compelling narrative, offering insights into the nature of cities and the human condition.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this enchanting exploration of imagination and cities if you appreciate beautifully poetic language and philosophical musings. This book offers a unique experience, blending dream-like descriptions with reflections on human experience, perfect for readers who revel in rich, thought-provoking narratives and visual storytelling.

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In Invisible Cities Marco Polo conjures up cities of magical times for his host, the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, but gradually it becomes clear that he is actually describing one city: Venice.

'A subtle and beautiful meditation' Sunday Times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A subtle and beautiful meditation' — Sunday Times

In Invisible Cities, Marco Polo conjures up cities of magical times for his host, the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, but gradually it becomes clear that he is actually describing one city — Venice. As Gore Vidal wrote, "Of all tasks, describing the contents of a book is the most difficult and in the case of a marvellous invention like Invisible Cities, perfectly irrelevant."

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Invisible Cities is widely acclaimed for its unique fusion of poetic language and prose, reshaping readers' understanding of narrative form. Critics highlight its beautifully crafted chapters that blend fantasy with deep insight, capturing the imagination with every page. The book is praised for its exploration of complex themes through the lens of Marco Polo’s descriptions of cities to Kublai Khan, with a focus on the singular essence of Venice. This masterpiece invites reflection on human creativity and the search for meaning.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099429838

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 October 1997

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by William Weaver

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 9.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 117g

Pages: 160

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About the Author

Italo Calvino was born in Cuba in 1923. He grew up in Italy. He was an essayist and journalist and a member of the editorial staff of Einaudi in Turin. In 1973 he won the prestigious Premio Feltrinelli. He died in 1985

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