My Life - Softcover

Chagall, Marc

4.07

1,057 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0720611865 ISBN 13: 9780720611861

Publisher: Peter Owen, 2010

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Marc Chagall�s strange autobiographical essay on his early life has established itself as a unique document in twentieth-century literature. Completed by the artist in 1922, this memoir was not available in English until Peter Owen published this translation in 1965 and it has remained in print ever since. Lyrical and evocative, it is a key work in Chagall studies for the light it throws on the shaping of the artist�s creative genius. His deep roots in Jewish tradition, both religious and secular, are reflected in these recollections of his poverty-stricken youth in Witebsk, White Russia, to the Paris art world prior to the First World War and back to Russia until his decision in 1922 finally to return to Paris.

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Review:

'Chagall writes as whimsically as he paints: lovingly of other people, humorously and lovingly of himself.' - Daily Mail 'Text and vision are indeed one: these autobiographical notes retain an astonishing amount of their original flavour.' - Daily Telegraph 'A strange book... full of enjoyments' - Guardian 'Anyone who likes Chagall's paintings will enjoy this book: the work of an unteachable, unspoiled folk artist.' - London Evening Standard 'Belongs unmistakably to the world of his paintings... it flickers with sharp responses and vivid phrases.' - New Stateman 'Written by any other person other than Chagall, assuming that person could write as well as Chagall does, it would still be absorbing... a remarkable book and also a contribution to the world literature of painters-writers.' - Jewish Quarterly 'The work of a great European who has carefully not repudiated his inheritance.' - Sunday Telegraph 'A charming, dotty, spasmodic chronicle accompanied by charming moody drawings.' - Queen

Synopsis:

Completed by the artist in 1922, this memoir was not available in English until Peter Owen published this translation in 1965 and has remained one of our most popular books ever since. Lyrical and evocative, it is a key work in Chagall studies for the light it throws on the shaping of the artist's creative genius. His deep roots in Jewish tradition - religious and secular - are reflected in these recollections of his poverty-stricken youth in Witebsk, White Russia to the Paris art world prior to the First World War and back to Russia until his decision in 1922 finally to return to Paris.

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