Book Description

Austria, 1928. A young man stands unjustly accused of murdering his father. Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann speak out on his behalf. Sigmund Freud is called to testify. The trial that ensues, in which he tries to clear his name, sends shockwaves throughout Europe. In this crucible of injustice and grief, one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century is formed. From prison cell and psychological trauma to bohemian Paris at its height and Europe on the eve of war, from tragedy and injustice to freedom and, eventually, to fame, this is the story of The Jump Artist. In this superbly crafted, prize-winning novel, Austin Ratner recreates the remarkable true story of Philippe Halsman, a photographer whose portraits of some of the greatest names of our times - Dalí, Einstein and Monroe among them - ensured his enduring fame, but whose renown masked a shocking tragedy that haunted him throughout his life, and a remarkable journey from darkness into the light . . . 'In The Jump Artist Austin Ratner gives life to a story both emblematic of the horror at the heart of the twentieth century and absolutely personal in its particulars - the extraordinary life of Philippe Halsman. A terrific debut.' Anna Funder, author of Stasiland 'Tremendous resonance . . . one of the most promising debuts of the year.' Publishers' Weekly 'A beautifully scrupulous, intricately detailed novel about joy and despair.' Charles Baxter, author of The Soul Thief 'A remarkable novel that documents a triumph of the human spirit over tremendous adversity.' Harper's