Description

Title: Schindler's Ark
Author/Publisher: Thomas Keneally (Hodder and Stoughton)
Publication Year: 1982
Format: First Edition Hardcover (Australia List)

Schindler's Ark is a historical fiction published in 1982 by the Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. It is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler. The United States edition of the book was titled Schindler's List; it was later reissued in Commonwealth countries under that name as well. The novel won the Booker Prize and was awarded the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction in 1983.

The book tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi Party who becomes an unlikely hero by saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. It follows actual people and events, with fictional dialogue and scenes added by the author where exact details are unknown. Keneally wrote a number of well-received novels before and after Schindler's Ark; however, in the wake of its highly successful 1993 film adaptation directed by director Steven Spielberg, it has since gone on to become his most well-known and celebrated work.

Synopsis

Schindler's Ark, a compelling historical novel by the acclaimed Australian author Thomas Keneally, was first published in 1982. This profound work of fiction meticulously reconstructs the true, harrowing story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who risked everything to save over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees from the horrors of the Holocaust.

Recognised for its powerful narrative and meticulous research, the novel garnered immediate critical praise, winning the prestigious Booker Prize in 1982 and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction in 1983. This edition represents its initial publication in its original form for Commonwealth markets.

• Historical Veracity: Based on extensive interviews with 'Schindlerjuden' – the Jews saved by Schindler – and other historical documents, Keneally masterfully blends factual accounts with novelistic interpretation, offering a deeply human perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
• Literary Recognition: The novel's literary merit is undeniable, evidenced by its significant accolades, including the Booker Prize. Its powerful storytelling and ethical depth cemented its place as a modern classic and a crucial work in Holocaust literature.
• A Landmark Australian Work: As the original 'Australia List' first edition, this volume holds particular significance for collectors of Australian literature and modern classics. It represents the initial presentation of Keneally's award-winning narrative to readers in Australia and the wider Commonwealth.

This First Edition of *Schindler's Ark* by Thomas Keneally is a significant acquisition for collectors of modern literary fiction, particularly those interested in works of historical importance and Australian literature. Its status as an acclaimed, award-winning novel ensures its enduring legacy and collectability.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications