""Twelve Against the Gods: The Story of Adventure"" is a masterful collection of biographical sketches that explores the essence of the adventurer and the drive to challenge the status quo. Written by acclaimed journalist William Bolitho, the work analyzes the lives of twelve historical figures who famously defied conventional morality and social norms in their pursuit of greatness, power, or personal freedom. From conquerors like Alexander the Great and Napoleon I to enigmatic figures such as Casanova, Lola Montez, and Cagliostro, Bolitho provides a deep psychological and philosophical investigation into what compels an individual to risk everything against the forces of fate.
Through compelling prose, the author traces the trajectories of diverse personalities including Christopher Columbus, Mahomet, Charles XII of Sweden, and Isadora Duncan, concluding with a modern look at Woodrow Wilson. Bolitho presents the adventurer as a perpetual rebel against the ""gods"" of the established order, illustrating how their unique spirits have left an indelible mark on history. This work remains a seminal study of human ambition and the eternal conflict between the extraordinary individual and the constraints of their era, offering timeless insights into the nature of risk and the search for meaning.
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