Description
Book SynopsisThe first English translation of Jean Paulhan's major essays
Trade Review"Paulhan had significant impact on late contemporary literary criticism, including structuralism and deconstruction. . . . These essays enhance the historical perspective on poststructuralist critical theory. . . . Recommended."--
Choice“
On Poetry and Politics offers an excellent sample of [Paulhan’s] essays in translations that combine accuracy and felicity.”--
Contemporary French Civilization"One of the most powerful French writers of the past century. We learn more from one piece by Paulhan about the literature, culture, and politics of twentieth-century France than we learn from reading a whole shelf of books by his contemporaries."--Richard A. Rand, editor of
Futures: Of Jacques Derrida"A marvelous book. It exposes the unique, intriguing, and admirable work of Jean Paulhan. These translations will be invaluable to the growing number of scholars and students who have been entering into discussions of Paulhan's work and his world."--Ann Smock, translator of
Maurice Blanchot's The Writing of the Disaster"This praiseworthy, pungent, and thought-provoking translation will certainly interest those already familiar with Paulhan, and it will help those unfamiliar with him to situate Paulhan and his work within a broader cultural and historical context. An enjoyable work covering one of the most important figures in the French literary world and the most distinguished essayist of his time."--Warren F. Motte Jr., author of
Fables of the Novel: French Fiction since 1990Table of ContentsIntroduction vii
1 ON POETRY AND PROVERBS
The Experience of the Proverb 3
Jacob Cow the Pirate, or, If Words Are Signs 28
Rhetoric Rises from Its Ashes 44
Young Lady with Mirrors 57
Key to Poetry 70
2 ON POLITICS AND RESISTANCE
Democracy Calls on the First to Come Along 103
The Bee 110
Letter on Peace 113
Letter to the Directors about Europe 120
Letter to the Directors of the Resistance 130
Notes 145
Index 153
