His pieces, on the literary world and some of its most fascinating figures and classics, bear his hallmark of vitality and distinctive approach. Raine's knowledge of the span of literary theory (and anecdote) and the incisiveness of his thinking uncover as far more contradictory and complex in their successes writers customarily held in reverence. The essays range from a powerful piece on the KGB's literary archive to thoughts about tragedy in Kipling's life, from Auden, Nabokov and Beckett to the state of health of Samuel ...
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His pieces, on the literary world and some of its most fascinating figures and classics, bear his hallmark of vitality and distinctive approach. Raine's knowledge of the span of literary theory (and anecdote) and the incisiveness of his thinking uncover as far more contradictory and complex in their successes writers customarily held in reverence. The essays range from a powerful piece on the KGB's literary archive to thoughts about tragedy in Kipling's life, from Auden, Nabokov and Beckett to the state of health of Samuel Johnson's testicles. This book celebrates the diversity of the world of books and Raine is a supremely entertaining and thought-provoking guide. `Raine pounces on writers lacking his own high degree of linguistic resolution and independence. The citizenly impulse behind these arresting critical interventions is usually commendable. One gets the impression of a man simmering in long silence, coming reluctantly to the boil because someone has to speak up' Geoff Dyer, Guardian
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Missing jacket. The dust jacket of the book is missing. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Size: 8x5x1; Paperback UK edition. Pub. by Picador, 2001, London. Number line begins w/ 1. Unmarked interior. A few creases on covers, along spine. Some residue on front and back, most pronounced on rear near spine. Sticker on back as well. 0330485458. 1h.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Hardcover with dust jacket. Book is in very nice condition, text is unmarked and pages are tight. Former owner's bookplate inside front cover.