The Salamander (West novel)
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| Author | Morris West |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Heinemann |
Publication date | 1973 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 304pp. |
| ISBN | 0434859125 |
| Preceded by | Summer of the Red Wolf |
| Followed by | Harlequin |
The Salamander (1973) is a novel by Australian writer Morris West.[1]
Dante Matucci, a captain in the Italian secret service, begins an investigation into the death of an Italian general, found dead in his apartment. Next to the body was a small card depicting a salamander in a bed of flames. Soon Matucci discovers that the Salamander is really a millionaire industrialist Bruno Manzini, and he is drawn into a difficult investigation.
Critical reception
John Philip, writing in The Canberra Times, found the novel "a tale that will enthrall fans of action-packed topical novels." And he concluded: "This may not be Morris West's best novel, but it makes arresting reading and will find favour with a wide range of readers."[2]
Publication history
After its original publication in 1973 in England by Heinemann [3] the novel was later published by William Morrow in 1973,[4] Pocket Books in 1974, and Allen & Unwin in 2017, and many other paperback editions,[1] including a German translation in 1973.[1]
Film adaptation
In 1981, Peter Zinner's directorial debut, The Salamander, was derived from West's book, on a screenplayed by Robert Kratz and Rod Serling. It featured:
- Franco Nero as Carabinieri Colonel Dante Matucci
- Anthony Quinn as Bruno Manzini
- Martin Balsam as Captain Steffanelli