Publication
Amsterdam Bakker 2011
ISBN
9789035136625
Language
Collections
Description
Umberto Eco, author of "The Name of the Rose," looks back on his long career as a theorist and his more recent work as a novelist, and explores their fruitful conjunction.
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member Laura400
This is brief, illuminating and generally interesting to read. For me, the last part was unnecessary, as it was a regurgitation of his "An Infinity of Lists" without the, for me, saving grace of the examples from art history. But the book is worth reading for the first three chapters.
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
A short collection of essays/lectures by Eco.
"Writing from Left to Right" describes Eco's decision to write novels, and his writing process.
"Author, Text and Interpreters" talks about intentionality and the difficulties inherent in translation, as well as the tendency to find meanings in a text
"Some Remarks on Fictional Characters" discusses how fictitious individuals can become part of our culture, and how they affect us emotionally.
"My Lists" enumerates the ways in which writers use the literary device of a list of connected (or random) items, and shows that device's effectiveness. (Well done, because usually I find such lists tedious, but this had me almost convinced.)
Eco is a witty and entertaining writer, no matter what topic he is discussing, and therefore this was an interesting read. I'd recommend it for people who have already read his novels.
His comments are occasionally, however, snobbish and condescending. I haven't quite decided if the fact that he is probably completely justified in this attitude makes it better or worse. (Yes, he is more erudite, and likely smarter than me or you.)
"Writing from Left to Right" describes Eco's decision to write novels, and his writing process.
"Author, Text and Interpreters" talks about intentionality and the difficulties inherent in translation, as well as the tendency to find meanings in a text
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that were not put there by the author, and when/if these meanings are valid."Some Remarks on Fictional Characters" discusses how fictitious individuals can become part of our culture, and how they affect us emotionally.
"My Lists" enumerates the ways in which writers use the literary device of a list of connected (or random) items, and shows that device's effectiveness. (Well done, because usually I find such lists tedious, but this had me almost convinced.)
Eco is a witty and entertaining writer, no matter what topic he is discussing, and therefore this was an interesting read. I'd recommend it for people who have already read his novels.
His comments are occasionally, however, snobbish and condescending. I haven't quite decided if the fact that he is probably completely justified in this attitude makes it better or worse. (Yes, he is more erudite, and likely smarter than me or you.)
Show Less
LibraryThing member jwhenderson
A mere twenty-eight years after publishing his first novel this great author comments in these lectures on his literary experiences and more. An entertaining blend of personal memoir and literary criticism that is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Original publication date
2011