About this ebook
Thieves in the Night : Chronicle of an Experiment was written in 1946. Originally intended to be the first of a trilogy, Koestler later concluded that the book stood on its own and plans for further novels made redundant.
Based on the author's own experiences in a kibbutz, it sets up a stage in describing the historical roots of the conflict between Arabs and Jewish settlers in the British ruled Palestine.
The book tackles many subjects, such as Zionism and idealism. Koestler was Zionist early in life, but later abandoned the idea.
The title is a Biblical reference, quoted on the title page:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." (2 Peter 3:10)
Based on the author's own experiences in a kibbutz, it sets up a stage in describing the historical roots of the conflict between Arabs and Jewish settlers in the British ruled Palestine.
The book tackles many subjects, such as Zionism and idealism. Koestler was Zionist early in life, but later abandoned the idea.
The title is a Biblical reference, quoted on the title page:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night." (2 Peter 3:10)
About the author
Arthur Koestler CBE (1905 - 1983) was a Hungarian-British author and journalist. Koestler was born in Budapest and educated in Austria. In 1931 Koestler joined the Communist Party of Germany but, disillusioned by Stalinist atrocities, resigned in 1938. In 1940 he published his novel Darkness at Noon, an anti-totalitarian work, which gained him international fame.
Over the next 43 years from his residence in Great Britain, Koestler espoused many political causes and wrote novels, memoirs, biographies, and numerous essays. In 1968, he was awarded the prestigious Sonning Prize for 'outstanding contribution to European culture' and, in 1972, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
In 1976, Koestler was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and, in 1979, with terminal leukaemia. In 1983 he and his wife committed suicide at home in London.
Over the next 43 years from his residence in Great Britain, Koestler espoused many political causes and wrote novels, memoirs, biographies, and numerous essays. In 1968, he was awarded the prestigious Sonning Prize for 'outstanding contribution to European culture' and, in 1972, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
In 1976, Koestler was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and, in 1979, with terminal leukaemia. In 1983 he and his wife committed suicide at home in London.
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