A lowly cobbler's assistant rises to become Spain's most famous matador. Will his pride, vanity, and infatuation with a beautiful seductress lead to his downfall? This new translation of Sangre y Arena, the 1908 novel by the journalist, politician and bestselling Spanish author, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, tells the story of Juan Gallardo's lowly beginnings as a child in Seville and his spectacular rise as a celebrity matador in Madrid. The Oscar-winning 1941 film adaptation launched the careers of Tyrone Power and Rita Hayworth. Blinded to his own faults by toadying assistants and reverent fans, Juan Gallardo struggles to stay atop the ruthless blood sport of bullfighting.