"In this novel, the author follows the course of one of Spain's greatest bullfighters, and in so doing, he creates a multi-faceted novel that frames the customs and traditions of the era, the political and societal concerns, as well as the close tie that frequently existed in Spanish society between the intellectuals and the aristocracy on the one hand, and the bullfight on the other. There are, however, further satisfactions awaiting the simple reader, whether he be an "aficionado" or not. And this is thanks to the special style employed, a manner of writing that is agile and engaging, containing beautiful prose, and scenes animated by exact, lucid expressions, drawn not only from the terminology of the bullfight, but from a deep knowledge of the entire subject matter and the setting; of the fight, the animals and the countryside in general. The story told to us is transformed into a verbal feast, with prose of an exceedingly high quality."