Book Review: Los Toros

Los Toros was a compilation book of several authors, translated into English with  translation that leaves a little to be desired. Still, in spite of the flaws int he same, the product remains diverse and interesting.

Top toreros are  profiled, such as Cordobes, Manolete, Joselito, Domingo Ortega and Sanchez Mejias. There are also lengthy, though gloomy sections in abundance related to death in the ring, including a long list of victims of the bulls extending from the 1700s to the early 1960s when this book was printed. One can read about the deaths of Ballesteros, Espartero, Joselito, Granero, Aparici and more in great detail.

The book also offers many fine black and white photographs of Cordobes, Manolete, Granero, Gallo and more. there are also reproductions of many old sketches and paintings of toreros active before the camera was a common thing.

The toreros presented contemporary are of course now retired or dead. Thus, the book may be a bit dated, but as something of historical value, there is a wealth of material to be found.

Long out of print, copies of Los Toros still pop up on Ebay and in used books stores.