Description
Book SynopsisAn investigation of deceit and concealment that proposes a new theory of fiction, both as a new genre of literature and as a strategy in the social world.
Trade Review“
The Habit of Lying contributes importantly to a new understanding of a variety of issues and texts, literary and philosophical. Smyth deploys a flawlessly elegant style, ample range of research, analytic precision, and a restrained but confident sense of humor. The overall achievement is remarkable, even stunning.”—Andrew McKenna, Loyola University, Chicago
“
The Habit of Lying is a highly original, exceptionally sophisticated, continuously illuminating work of literary and cultural theory, and an intellectual feast of the first order. There seems no facet of Smyth’s topic that escapes his careful, immensely intelligent attention.”—Barbara Herrnstein Smith, Duke University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Part One. Philosophy
1. The Liar as Scapegoat: Rationality and Unanimity
2. The Analytics of Fiction
Part Two. Literature
3. Lying for No Reason: Lying and Obscenity in Defoe
4. Lies and Truths: Mimetic-Sacrificial Falsification in Stendahl
5. Fundaments and Accidents: Mimesis and Mendacity in
Molloy 6. The Violence of Fiction: Concealment and Sacrifice in
Malone Dies and
The Unnamable Part Three. Dress
7. Fashion Theory
Conclusion
Appendix: One Rene Girard and Paul de Man
Notes
Bibliography
Index
