The Forty Days of Musa Dagh - (Verba Mundi (Paperback)) by Franz Werfel (Paperback)

About the Book

The book that first drew America's attention to the Armenian Genocide, which began 100 years ago on April 24, 1915. The Forty Days of Musa Dagh is Franz Werfel's masterpiece, bringing him international acclaim and a BOMC Main Selection. First published in 1933, the chilling and riveting story takes place along the Anatolian coast in the mountain villages that chose to disobey the deportation order of the Turkish government, fearlessly repelling Turkish soldiers and police throughout the summer of 1915. Most significantly, it is the first book to deal seriously with "ethnic cleansing," an early clarion call that some heard but few heeded. This edition presents the first full English translation, with an introduction by Vartan Gregorian. In every sense, a true and thrilling novel.--The New York Times Book Review

Book Synopsis

"In every sense a true and thrilling novel."--New York Times Book Review

The heroic story of resistance during the Armenian genocide. This is the story of how the people of several Armenian villages in the mountains chose not to obey the deportation order of the Turkish government. Instead, they fortified a plateau on the slopes of Musa Dagh and repelled Turkish soldiers and military police during the summer of 1915 while holding out hope that the warships of the Allies would save them. An international bestseller when first published in 1933, Franz Werfel's masterpiece brought the world's attention to this devastating crime against humanity and the Armenian people.

Review Quotes

"The Forty Days of Musa Dagh will invade your senses and keep the blood pounding. Once read, it will never be forgotten."--The New York Times

"A crackling read. Symphonic in its handling of profound themes, respectful of its most vacillating characters, Werfel's novel is a grand and satisfying story about the necessities and difficulties of leadership."--Booklist