Journey by Moonlight

Antal Szerb is a great European writer known for his novel Journey by Moonlight, which is a masterpiece of storytelling that explores the conflicting desires of marriage and adulthood. The novel is part of the Pushkin Press Classics series and was translated by Len Rix. Szerb was a prolific essayist and reviewer, and was murdered in a forced labor camp in 1945.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Antal Szerb is one of the great European writers, known for his novels that blend love, admiration, and playful irony. His works are filled with brilliant descriptions, witty phrases, and absurd situations, captivating readers with their wit and depth.

One of Szerb's notable works is "Journey by Moonlight," a novel that tells the story of Mihály and Erzsi, who are on their honeymoon in Italy. Mihály has recently joined a respectable family firm in Budapest, but his gaze wanders to the mysterious back-alleys of Venice, rekindling his old desire to wander. When the couple becomes separated at a provincial train station, Mihály embarks on a chaotic and bizarre journey that leads him to Rome, where he must confront both his past and his future.

In this intoxicating and satirical masterpiece, Szerb delves deep into the conflicting desires of marriage and explores how adulthood can echo the ache of youth. The novel is part of the Pushkin Press Classics series, which showcases timeless storytelling by icons of literature, hand-picked from around the globe. Len Rix has translated Szerb's works into English, allowing a wider audience to appreciate his brilliance.

Antal Szerb was born in Budapest in 1901, although he was of Jewish descent. He was baptised at an early age and remained a lifelong Catholic. Despite facing persecution due to successive Jewish laws, Szerb established himself as a formidable scholar through his studies of Ibsen, Blake, and histories of English, Hungarian, and world literature. He was a prolific essayist and reviewer, writing in all the major European languages.

Unfortunately, Szerb's academic career was cut short by the restrictions imposed by Jewish laws. He was unable to work in a university, and his persecution intensified. In 1945, he was murdered in a forced labour camp, a tragic end to a brilliant writer's life.

Pushkin Press publishes Szerb's novels, including "The Pendragon Legend," "Oliver VII," and "Journey by Moonlight." They also release the historical study "The Queen's Necklace" and the love poem "Love." Szerb's works continue to resonate with readers, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of great European writers.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805330240