MICHAEL JACOBS
Born Italy, 1952, I studied art history at London's Courtauld Institute of Art, where I undertook a Ph.D under Anthony Blunt. I've worked since then as a full-time writer. My book about the Spanish village where I live for much of the year, The Factory of Light, was shortlisted for the 25th Thomas Cook Prize. I write regularly for the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Independent, and the Literary Review. I have translated Spanish and South American plays for Shakespeare's Globe, and London's Bridewell and Finsborough Theatres (my translations of Lope de Vega's plays are published by Oberon Books) - I am an honorary member of several Spanish gastronomic societies, and a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the Hispanics Department of Glasgow University. I'm a regular broadcaster on Spanish National Radio, and a chairman of the Dolman Travel Book Award. My new book, Andes, will be published by Granta Books in 2010
LATEST BOOK: ANDES
Stretching for over 5,500 miles, and containing the highest active volcanoes in the world, the largest salt flat, the highest lake, and peaks rivalled in size only by the Himalayas, the Andes impress by statistics alone. But beyond the range's sheer immensity, is its concentration of radically contrasting scenery and climates. In this remarkable book, travel writer Michael Jacobs journeys across seven different countries, from the balmy Caribbean to the inhospitable islands of the Tierra del Fuego, through the relics of ancient civilisations, to retrace the footsteps of previous travellers. His route begins in Venezuela, following the path of the great 19th Century revolutionary Simon Bolivar. On his way Jacobs attempts to uncover the stories of those who have shared his fascination, and to reveal the secrets of a region steeped in history, science and myth.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Andes, Granta, 2010. The Factory of Light, Tales from my Andalucian Village, John Murray, 2004.
ANDES, Granta, 2010.
