The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness

by Rebecca Solnit

Hardcover, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

306.09

Genres

General Nonfiction

All Topics

Nonfiction

Publication

Trinity University Press (2014), Edition: 1st, 344 pages

Description

"The incomparable Rebecca Solnit, author of more than a dozen acclaimed books of nonfiction, brings the same dazzling writing to the twenty-nine essays in The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness. As the title suggests, the territory of Solnit's concerns is vast, and in her signature alchemical style she combines commentary on history, justice, war and peace, and explorations of place, art, and community, all while writing with the lyricism of a poet to achieve incandescence and wisdom. Gathered here are celebrated iconic essays along with little-known pieces that create a powerful survey of the world we live in. In its encyclopedic reach and its generous compassion, Solnit's collection charts a way through the thickets of our complex social and political worlds. Like the women who've pioneered before her-Sontag, Didion, and Dillard-her essays are a beacon. "-- ""In twenty-nine essays Solnit combines commentary on history, justice, war and peace, and explorations of place, art, and community to create a powerful survey of the world. In its encyclopedic reach and its generous compassion, this collection charts a way through the thickets of our complex social and political structures"--Provided by publisher"--… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member mjlivi

Rebecca Solnit is a genuinely radical intellectual, who writes with grace, wit and most of all hope about the world today and ways that it can be improved. This collection is a bit haphazard, which has the bonus of really showing off the breadth of Solnit's interests and enthusiasms, but the

downside of feeling a bit loose (at least compared to her book-length attempts to wrestle with a particular theme). She's a wonder - making the grim state of modern capitalism clear, while somehow leaving her readers feeling hopeful and inspired by the potential for real changes.

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LibraryThing member Ken-Me-Old-Mate

The Encyclopedia of Trouble and Spaciousness by Rebecca Solnit I loved this book because I have that magpie kind of mind that likes shiny bits of information and this book has them in droves. Intelligent, thoughful and humane is how I’d classify this collection of essays.

There is nothing trite

or entertaining in here at all, which is not the same thing as saying that this is not to be enjoyed. You will need to engage your brain and your morals to get the most out of this book. It is not highbrow or academic, it is like talking to a really intelligent friend who can explain complex things without patronising you. A friend that you always look forward to spending time with.

If you don’t read this book this is just tiny iota of what you will be missing: “….there are many kinds of invisibility. There is the invisibility of what is so taken for granted that few see it, the custom of the country, the water in which the fish swim. Thus to perceive that the United States is an empire on a permanent wartime basis is be alien to, or become alienated from, the mainstream…..”

Gets a bit of a slagging on Amazon but Goodreads shows a bit more respect.

Get an axe, smash up your TV then read this book. If it is not too late for you then at least a thousand things will jump out at you and you will shout, “I need to know more about this”.

If that doesn’t happen then buy another TV and get back to those really, really, exciting cooking shows.

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LibraryThing member RickGeissal

Solnit is a genius of thinking and writing, of seeing and discerning. This volume of her essays written over many years is as insightful as ever. I always learn when I read anything she has written. She has a vast and varied knowledge and wisdom.

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