Description

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'A dream concealed in stone...sky supersonic, orgone blue, warm wind...Such beauty, but more than that, it's like the dream is breaking through.' William Burroughs

No city in the world has quite the exotic allure of Tangier. From the 17th century, it has been a place on the edge, beyond the normal disciplines of government, a city of refuge and excitements where sex is cheap, drugs are plentiful and where the outcasts of the world can breathe easily. The golden years of Tangier began after World War I and barely survived World War II. Among those who sought sanctuary in or inspiration from this legendary city were Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Paul and Jane Bowles, Ronnie Kray, the unhappy Woolworth heiress, Barbara Hutton, Tennessee Williams, Joe Orton, Cecil Beaton and Truman Capote. It is this 'last resort of the living dead, alive but not madly kicking' which Iain Finlayson explores in his witty, enthralling book.

About the Author

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Iain Finlayson is books editor of Saga Magazine and reviews books for The Times as well as writing for Harper's Bazaar and The Scotsman, among others. He lives in London.

Praise For…

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"Finlayson's crisp narrative which bubbles into metaphorical rhapsody. Charming… and as elegant a history of the city as you could find anywhere." — Marek Kohn, The Independent

"Not a suitable gift for that apocryphal maiden aunt… Finlayson writes so elegantly and scathingly about Tangier and its infidel Nazarenes… one suspects his name has already been struck off a good few Tangier guest-lists."— Philip Hoare, Sunday Times

"Finlayson is a brilliant juggler of moods and vignettes." —Jonathan Keates, Observer