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Historical Fiction· Slovenia

Alamut

by Vladimir Bartol
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1938Slovene
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About This Book

Published in 1938, Alamut established Vladimir Bartol as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. Set in 11th century Persia, 'Alamut' is a philosophical novel that explores themes of power, manipulation, and the nature of belief. It tells the story of Hassan-i Sabbah and his fortress Alamut, where he trains assassins to carry out his political ambitions. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Slovene literature and has been translated into numerous languages, gaining international acclaim for its exploration of the dynamics of power and fanaticism. Themes of power and manipulation, belief and fanaticism, political intrigue run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorVladimir Bartol
Published1938
Country of Origin🇸🇮 Slovenia
LanguageSlovene
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN978-1556436819
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇮 Slovenia

This book is part of Slovenia's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1938, Vladimir Bartol's Alamut is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with power and manipulation, belief and fanaticism, political intrigue, philosophical exploration gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Alamut lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of power and manipulation, belief and fanaticism, political intrigue, philosophical exploration is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Vladimir Bartol's role in the literature of Slovenia is well established. Alamut can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20090
✍️
About the Author
Vladimir Bartol
Slovenia
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Vladimir Bartol is a Slovenia author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alamut about?

Set in 11th century Persia, 'Alamut' is a philosophical novel that explores themes of power, manipulation, and the nature of belief. It tells the story of Hassan-i Sabbah and his fortress Alamut, where he trains assassins to carry out his political ambitions. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Slovene literature and has been translated into numerous languages, gaining international acclaim for its exploration of the dynamics of power and fanaticism.

Who wrote Alamut?

Alamut was written by Vladimir Bartol, from Slovenia. First published in 1938.

What awards has Alamut won?

Alamut has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Alamut worth reading?

Alamut is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in power and manipulation, belief and fanaticism, political intrigue.

Where can I buy Alamut?

You can buy Alamut on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Alamut?

Alamut is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Alamut from?

Alamut originates from Slovenia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Slovenia on our country page.

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