The Dissertation
RM Koster
Sold by Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 6 February 2025
Used - Soft cover
Condition: Used
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 6 February 2025
Condition: Used
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketIn a world that craves the sensational and the spectacular, RM Koster?s 1976 tome, *The Dissertation*, dares to wade into the murky waters of academia, where the most thrilling plot twist is the sudden appearance of a misplaced bibliographic citation. Yes, dear reader, this isn?t just a book; it?s a daring escapade into the realm of footnotes and margins?a labyrinthine journey through the mind of a scholar who, in the spirit of the age, might just be one existential crisis away from abandoning reason altogether. If you?ve ever found yourself up at ungodly hours, drowning in a sea of books, journals, and an unending supply of cold pizza, then you might find a kindred spirit in Koster?s protagonist. Here, in the dusty confines of the library, the stench of forgotten research mingles with the stale aroma of poorly brewed coffee, leading to a gripping narrative that is anything but fast-paced. This is the slow burn of intellectual pursuit, where every page turn is an invitation to reflect on the existential dread of an unfinished thesis, the agony of peer reviews, and the gentle hum of fluorescent lights that flicker ominously as deadlines loom ever closer. Published by Bantam Doubleday Dell, this book is not just a story; it?s a manifesto for those who have ever had a love-hate relationship with academia. It teases the mind and sets the stage for an odyssey of procrastination and panic that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to defend their work before a panel of dubious scholars?who, let?s face it, often enjoy tearing apart fledgling brilliance more than nurturing it. Koster?s prose is as dry as the crumbling pages of your old textbooks, and yet it contains a curious charm that may leave you both amused and slightly bewildered. As you traverse the pages of *The Dissertation*, you may find yourself pondering the following important questions: Is this a gripping narrative or merely a meticulously footnoted snooze-fest? Could the protagonist be the secret love child of Kafka and a particularly pedantic professor? How many cups of coffee does one need to consume before contemplating the true meaning of academic life? What is the sound of one dissertation floundering in the abyss of irrelevance? Will I ever finish reading this before I?m due for my own thesis defense? As the pages turn?oh, how they turn?you may stumble upon the occasional burst of hilarity disguised as scholarly observation. Koster?s wit lies in the irony that the highest stakes in academia often involve a battle for the last remaining copy of The MLA Handbook, rather than any life-or-death scenario you might find in traditional thrillers. The absurdity of it all will resonate with anyone who has been trapped in the bibliophile?s equivalent of purgatory. Condition: The book is used, of course, with all the loyal signs of a well-thumbed volume that has seen more late nights than a college student during finals week. The cover might sport a few creases, while the pages exhibit a charming array of dog-eared corners and the occasional coffee stain?genuine proof of scholarly dedication or perhaps a late-night snack gone awry. If you?re ready to take a break from the fast-paced world of page-turners and delve into a narrative that takes its sweet time, then *The Dissertation* could be your new best friend?or perhaps your worst nightmare. It?s a perfect addition to your collection of second-hand curiosities, lovingly offered by Crappy Old Books, where even the most obscure titles can lead you down delightful rabbit holes of irony and introspection. So, gather your pens, your notebooks, and a generous supply of coffee, and prepare for a journey that may just redefine your understanding of what a story can be?or rather, what it decidedly can?t. Happy reading, and may your existential crises be ever so slightly less profound than those of Koster?s characters.
Seller Inventory # 1032
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION
Statutory Right to cancel
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days for any reason.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of cancellation
The right of cancellation does not apply to:
Model withdrawal form
(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)
To: (Crappy Old Books, 112 Cobb Close, SL3 9QY, Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom, +44 7745466608)
I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),
Ordered on (*)/received on (*)
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)
Date
* Delete as appropriate.
| Order quantity | 14 to 45 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 20.05 | £ 26.85 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.