On Literature - Softcover

Eco, Umberto

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099453940 ISBN 13: 9780099453949

Publisher: Vintage, 2006

Synopsis

Remarkably accessible and unfailingly stimulating, this collection of essays exhibits the diversity of interests and the depth of knowledge that made Umberto Eco one of the world's leading writers. From musings on Ptolemy and reflections on the experimental writing of Borges and Joyce, to revelations of his own authorial ambitions and fears, Eco's luminous intelligence is on display throughout.

This volume will appeal to anyone interested in how new light is shed on old masters by a great contemporary mind.

About this title

Product Description:

A collection of essays on the key texts that have shaped the Eco, the novelist and critic. After the opening essay on the general significance of literature, this book examines a number of major authors from the Western canon, such as French writer Nerval's masterpiece, 'Sylvie', as well as the works of Cervantes, Swift, and Piero Camporesi.

Review:

"Appropriately rich and chaotic" (Sunday Times)

"His most personal book so far...this book speaks loudly and persuasively of the redemptive properties of good writing. This book is both a large statement about literary aesthetics and the elliptical spiritual autobiography of a major novelist. Eco writes with characteristic intelligence, clarity, enthusiasm and charm. He seems incapable of writing a dull paragraph, or a wrong-headed one" (Scotland on Sunday)

"An exciting, ecstatic work of criticism" (Guardian)

"A good deal of intellectual athleticism on display... Eco is a scintillating lecturer, and an elegant journalist... At his most mercurial" (Independent)

"On Literature is a provocative and entertaining collection of sprightly essays on the key texts that have shaped Eco the novelist and critic" (The Book People)

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0099453940
• ISBN 13: 9780099453949
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352