Bruce Chatwin’s unique portrait of a collector traces the mixed fortunes of his enigmatic and unconventional hero, Kaspar Utz.

Despite the restrictions of Cold War Czechoslovakia, Utz asserts his individuality through his devotion to his precious collection of Meissen porcelain. Although Utz is permitted to leave the country each year, and considers defecting each time, he is not allowed to take his porcelain with him and so he always returns to his Czech home, a prisoner of both the Communist state and his own collection.

Shortlisted
The Booker Prize 1988
Published by
Jonathan Cape
Publication date
Bruce Chatwin

Bruce Chatwin

About the Author

Bruce Chatwin was born in Sheffield, England. His novel Utz was nominated for the 1988 Booker Prize.
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