Red Star over the Black Sea: Nazim Hikmet and his Generation

Nâzım Hikmet (1902-1963) was a poet and communist who fled Turkey to the Eastern Bloc in 1951, making him one of the most important poets to have written in Turkish. James H. Meyer's biography, Red Star over the Black Sea, explores how changing attitudes toward borders and the people who cross them impacted a late imperial generation up to the final years of the Cold War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Nâzım Hikmet, a renowned poet and communist, gained fame for his daring escape from Turkey to the Eastern Bloc in 1951. His remarkable life story, coupled with his significant contributions to the Turkish language, makes him one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. In his book, "Red Star over the Black Sea: The Life and Times of Nâzım Hikmet," James H. Meyer explores the life of Nâzım Hikmet within the broader context of Turkish communist border-crossers. Born at the turn of the 20th century, Hikmet's generation witnessed the closing of borders that had characterized their upbringing century. Drawing upon extensive archival materials and personal papers from various locations, Meyer presents a comprehensive biography of Nâzım Hikmet, offering a unique perspective on his life and times.

"Red Star over the Black Sea" is not just a biography of a poet; it is a book that delves into the history of the world, wrapped within the life story of a remarkable individual. Meyer's meticulous research and analysis shed light on how changing attitudes toward borders and the people who cross them impacted a late imperial generation, all the way up to the final years of the Cold War. The book explores the complexities of identity, nationalism, and the pursuit of freedom, themes that were central to Hikmet's life and work.

Through his journey, Hikmet became a symbol of resistance against oppression and a voice for the marginalized. His poetry, which was often banned and censored in his home country, resonated with people across the globe. His writings addressed the struggles of the working class, the plight.

"Red Star over the Black Sea" is a captivating and informative read that offers a fresh perspective on the 20th century, particularly the Cold War era. Meyer's writing is accessible and engaging, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The book is a valuable addition to the literature on Nâzım Hikmet and the history of the 20th century, and it will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of the world we live in.

Weight: 952g
Dimension: 253 x 180 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871176