Description
GINO BARTALI'S SECRET
Book summary
This illustrated book reveals the double life of Gino Bartali, one of the legends of epic cycling. Beyond his victories in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, the Italian athlete hid a secret that made him a silent hero during World War II. Through accessible text and remarkable illustrations, the work reveals how Bartali used his status as a cyclist to save lives in Fascist Italy. A moving and enriching story that unites sport, history, and courage.
What is it about?
The book recounts the unconventional destiny of Gino Bartali in a troubled era. Considered one of the last great figures of heroic cycling, the Italian united an Italy devastated by Benito Mussolini's fascism with vibrant victories in major competitions. However, behind this national symbol hid a hero with a well-kept secret: during the Nazi occupation, Bartali took advantage of his long bike training rides to transport forged documents and clandestine messages that helped save hundreds of persecuted people. The work combines the account of his sporting feats with the revelation of his role as a member of the resistance, showing how sport and courage can intersect in unexpected ways.
Main themes
- Historical biography of Gino Bartali, a figure of epic cycling.
- Civil resistance during fascism and World War II in Italy.
- Sport as a tool for solidarity and rescue in contexts of oppression.
- The duality between the public life of a sports idol and his secret work as a hero.
Who is it recommended for?
It is recommended for readers interested in historical biographies that combine sports and memory, as well as for young people and adults seeking true stories of quiet bravery. It is also suitable for cycling fans who wish to know the human side of one of their legends, and for those who appreciate the illustrated book as a high-quality visual narrative format.
What this book offers
- Discovers a little-known chapter of 20th-century history, where sport becomes a refuge and a form of resistance.
- Offers a human and profound vision of Gino Bartali, beyond his sporting successes.
- Combines an exciting story with high-quality illustrations that enrich the reading experience.
- Invites reflection on the value of individual actions in contexts of injustice.
Technical specifications
- Author: Ibañez, Kike
- Publisher: Bang Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Biography: historical, political, and military, Cycling
- Collection: Mamut
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: November 2021
- Number of pages: 40
- Weight: 346 g
Editorial review
This work stands out for its ability to unite sports interest with historical memory in an accessible and visually attractive way. The choice of an illustrated book allows for conveying the intensity of a true story of resistance without losing depth, making it a unique proposal within children's and young adult literature, as well as a valuable resource for adult readers looking for a different approach to the biography of a sports hero.