Homage to Barcelona: Gay Lives from Wilde to Almodóvar

Wonderful informative book about one of my favourite cities. I'd been looking for a book that would explain some of the history of Barcelona and, in particular, the reasons behind the extraordinarily decorative architecture. Toibin explains in a very readable way and also explores the complex politics of the region. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This book is a classic, beautifully written. It's not a "guidebook", of course, but is rich in describing the history of Barcelona and Catalyuna, with sections on major figures such as Gaudi, Picasso, and Miro. Well worth reading and making notes before visiting the city. The author edited the new edition, but it is sometimes unclear how current the sections are.

very informative and interesting, I was glad I had read before travelling

This is the first of Colm Toibin's books that I have read and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on more of his work! Toibin is the first author I've read who has managed to describe the city in a way that manages to draw out the real emotion of experiences such as wandering the streets of the medieval centre, visiting old summer haunts of Picasso, or taking part in the crazy fiestas. He writes beautifully.

The author writes like dream and the book was absolutely fascinating. It made history come to life.I know Barcelona quite well and could envision the people and places he talked about and come to life. What a wonderful writer!

This is a beautifully written and really interesting insight into how Barcelona has become the City it has. Although initially written to coincide with the Barcelona Olympics it has been slightly updated. For me the biggest reward was a far better understanding of the Catalan heritage but Tobin is great on the architecture too. I have already bought two extra copies for friends!

this guy is a great writer and this is a great book for giving insight into the great city that is barcelona. I read this during a stay in the city and it captured the mood of the place nicely and gave me a non-tourist guide

I bought this just before spending a few days in Barcelona, wanting to know a bit about the city and its history. It was a good choice, left me wanting to find out a lot more.

Factual yet written also as story. If you are interested in the literal plus flavor & character background of Barcelona, this may work well for you as reader.

I am on my third reading of this fine book, which I am thinking is more like a Love Letter. On first reading I became immersed in the potential that Barcelona held for me, prior to my departure. On second reading I explored places described so vividly in the book, in person, as I roamed the neighbourhoods he writes about. Steeped in Catalan history and culture, Toibin's Barcelona offers a present-day experience of the present situated in its past. I love this book. Now that I've come back from Barcelona I'm reading it again to see where I've been. Better than any guide book because it makes the visit personal.

Colm Toibin és un dels grans escriptors en anglès actualment i també un coneixedor de la realitat de Catalunya. En aquest llibre es combinen abdues qualitats i ens ofereix una imatge, de vegades molt poc complaent, de Barcelona i dels canvis que ha sofert, tant en el seu aspecte com en la seva mentalitat, des de finals de la dictadura fins a després dels Jocs Olímpics, però també fa un repàs a la història i veiem la Barcelona de la República i de la Guerra Civil. En aquest capítol, Toibin enllaça directament amb el llibre del qual reprèn el títol, Homenatge a Catalunya, de George Orwell.

This book was a great primer and glimpse into Barcelona before I visited....highly recommended.

This is a wonderfully well written and insightful book about the amazing city of Barcelona. It's a little dated because writers write a a certain time and life keeps moving on. Nevertheless, his insights are thoughtful and well presented. The chapter on Gaudi and several other timeless personalities are very enjoyable.