NEW BOOK OUT SOON: Fistfuls of Dollars in Almeria

I just thought I would let people know about a new book which is due out very soon. Fistfuls of Dollars in Almeria is a new self-published book by British author Terence Denman. I spent a great deal of time talking to Terence yesterday and the book sounds like it will be a fascinating read.

The `spaghetti western ‘phenomenon of the 1960s and 1970s was one of the most astonishing periods in European film history. Numerous westerns, and most of the iconic masterpieces of the genre, such as Sergio Leone's `Dollars Trilogy`, used the landscape of the Spanish province of Almeria to replicate the American West. Almeria was a land of almost perpetual sunshine, dramatic deserts and valleys, and atmospheric white-washed pueblos. 

Its parched beauty played an important role in defining the look of the genre. And the relentless filming of westerns had a powerful impact on the economy and social life of a beautiful but very poor and previously isolated part of Spain. This book is the first in English to tell the story of the relationship between Almeria and the spaghetti western.

I am very happy to announce that The Clint Eastwood Archive will be cross promoting this book. Terence is currently in Almería until the end of June and staying in the Hotel Costasol, where Clint and many of the actors and crews stayed. Terence told me that he has ‘tried to use only Spanish and Italian sources for the book’, which should offer a fresh and original perspective.  Whilst the book is currently shown on Amazon, Terence just needs to finalise a few bits by the end of June / middle of July. The Archive will have all of the updated news regarding this book, so please keep a regular check.