About a year ago, I found out that my university library had a pristine first edition hardcover of MMMD just sitting on the shelf. It turned out that it hadn’t been checked out in about a decade, so I tried everything I could to purchase it from them, but they said it was against school policy to sell books to students. I wonder how many other priceless copies are just sitting around gathering dust for no reason!
I'm not suggesting any illicit activity here, but, I know someone who "loses" certain library books they check out. In most cases the "replacement" fee is nominal compared to the price-gouging on the Internet. It should be a criminal offense to hold copies of unread/uncheckedout books hostage!
No reason? You could check it out, recommend it to 10 people, 3 of them will follow your example, and the book that was written to be read is read and not financially objectified.
Holy cow! The amount of effort you put into this video is insanely extraordinary Chris. You are absolutely the best at what you do good sir. I look forward to the reprinting. Cheers.
Unknown masterpiece. Wildly beautiful. A powerhouse. Young was my writing teacher at Fordham in 1976. She was largely a pain in the ass as a teacher. She came on to my girlfriend when I ran into her
Marguerite Young’s prose…it truly is a beautiful thing, bringing to mind an orchestra playing to an empty auditorium since the 1960s, sounding as though from the hall of some forgotten time, echoing among the peeling plaster and crumbling brickwork of the Western Canon, without a note out of place. I was already excited for the novel’s rerelease, but your video has increased my excitement all the more!
Brilliant essay of an absolutely extraordinary book. You manage to put into words what I can't - the surreality leaves me unable to analyze this novel, or maybe unwilling, afraid of breaking the spell by confining it. I get lost in the world conjured by Miss Young's beautiful words, I've always been great at visualizing, as I did nothing but read books at the library as a a child - we never had much money, so I practically lived there, going to free events and poring through tome after tome. Reading this novel... it's hallucinatory. Images, foggy and painted faded blue and green, like moving watercolor, flow through my mind as I read. The world around seems to fade away, and I feel as if I'm dreaming while awake. I have a signed first edition, and it's one of my most prized possessions.
I really don't understand how you don't have more subs? The amount of effort you put in and the quality really comes out, we don't live in a just world.
I'm perpetually reading this one, it seems. I've been "officially" in my second attempt over the past year, and got further in than previously but, alas, other aspects of life drew me away, which is fatal to sticking with it, because, as you suggest, it is one of the ultimate tests of concentration.. What I have managed to read of it makes me think it could be my favorite novel; I warmed to its repetitive, incantatory style, presenting often the same information over and over in ever-modifying layers, experiencing its inner and outer worlds, reality and dreams, prismatically. Most copies out there are in two parts, the old Harcourt 2-part paperback and the old Dalkey 2-part paperback. The original HC is now too expensive for most people, including me. I have part 1 from Dalkey and part 2 from Harcourt/Harvest, because I had to piece together an affordable edition from what was available. I'm still in the process of watching your review. Thanks again for tackling what others won't tackle.
Of course, to be fair, there are aspects of our lives wo which we MUST yield--sickness, children, spouses, jobs, etc. And sometimes we have to spar with books a few times before something happens and the pursuit takes hold. It's my pleasure to share these things. All my best to you!
@@LeafbyLeaf "The pursuit takes hold" is a perfect way of putting it. I've completed several books of similar or greater length. The boards have to be cleared largely, though, before I can do that. This also applies to my writing. I've completed four novels (unpublished). Keep rocking, my good man.
After watching quite a few of your videos, and really digging your angle on a lot of my favorite books, I'm starting to recognize a trend of high praise in the comments on your channel. I figured I'd add to the chorus myself. While I have plenty of friends, I don't have anyone in my life that shares my passion for reading to the degree I do, and in my experience the people who truly get excited about this sort of stuff tend to be few and far between. Your videos have enriched my reading experiences in a way that I think a lot of readers struggle to find, yet yearn for. I often find it difficult to really share my excitement for literature and philosophy without worrying about coming off as pretentious or vain, and watching your videos has made it abundantly clear to me that it is perfectly possible to explore the depths of human thought and still remain humble and approachable. Thank you so much for the work you do man. In a strange sort of way, its liberating to see you just clearly doing what you love.
I really appreciate your kindness here, Sam! As it happens, your experience completely mirrors mine. In fact, I will copy-and-paste back to you everything you wrote that equally applies to me: "While I have plenty of friends, I don't have anyone in my life that shares my passion for reading to the degree I do, and in my experience the people who truly get excited about this sort of stuff tend to be few and far between... I often find it difficult to really share my excitement for literature and philosophy without worrying about coming off as pretentious or vain...." This is precisely the impetus for the inception of this channel! So it is a real treat when it connects with someone on the same level. All my very best to you!
Anais Nin, a friend of Marguerite Young, wrote a review of the novel for the LA Times then it was re-published in Nin's 6th volume of her diaries if anyone is interested in her take on the book.
@@LeafbyLeaf Come to think of it… Have you done a vid on anything by Anaïs? As a dude i feel pretty isolated out there reading her diaries and letters.
Amen about consuming faster and faster. I continually lament the feeling of needing to hurry through this book in order to get to the next. Ugh. Why? I don’t know why.
I went through that particular mode for years. Then I happened upon the first essay in my collection of Gore Vidal's essays, and he made a point about "consuming" rather than "reading." It hit me hard and I started to really examine my inclinations and motives as a reader. As I've thought more about this over the years, too, I think that it is OK to go for quantity for a while to sort of build up an acquaintance with what's out there, amassing a passing knowledge of the annals of literature. But then one should switch to quality and really engage with each book and read and reread the best of what has been written. Of course, in the end, it will come back to your main motives as a reader. Our hypermedia culture doesn't help at all--I think we get trained to feel as if we've read a book simply because we've purchased it, like collecting baseball cards.
Loved that your rapturous review matched the dizzying intensity of Young's writing. Can't wait for this to return back to print later this year. It is top on my list of books to get. Looking forward to taking a dip into her oceanic prose! Cheers!
Thanks so much for that feedback! It took rather a long time for my feeble editing skills, so I can't promise it'll be standard. Or, at least, it will be reserved for longer videos or something. Thanks again!
You are an incredibly inteligent human and reader and I am so glad that I am able to watch your videos. I would to read this book sometime, but here in czech it was hard enough to find Gaddis to read, so for MMMD (just like for making of Americans) I have no hope yet.
Extremely kind of you to say! Perhaps with the resurrected Dalkey Archive and the forthcoming reissue of MMMD, you will have a way to get the books without paying an outrageous shipping fee. Before COVID shut down travel with my company, I would go to Poland 5x/year. So, perhaps if travel resumes, the next time I get to Poland, I could get the books, bring them with me, and mail them to you from there! Send me an email, so I can record your contact info. All my best to you!
I just discovered your channel the other day, and I'm loving your content. Thanks for the immense work you put into these thoughtful videos. I just wrapped up 2666 late last year, The Recognitions earlier this year (really appreciated your video about this one, as well as the one about Infinite Jest), and now finally into Gravity's Rainbow after having it on my shelf for well over a decade. I'm really looking forward to diving into MMMD when it gets republished in August as well. I spy your DeLillo collection at the very top of the frame - I hope you'll cover Underworld one day (; Perhaps also The Tale of Genji??
Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that the video have value. I do need to get DeLillo (and many others) on the channel, as the absence is atrocious. As for The Tale of Genji, it’s on my calendar for early 2023! 😁
@@LeafbyLeaf Thanks so much for taking a moment to respond (: I'd personally be thrilled if you covered Underworld, it's my fave DeLillo and one of my favourite books of all time. That's very exciting about Genji too - may I ask which translation you're thinking of reading? If I may, I would suggest you strongly consider the Royall Tyler translation. Happy to provide more of an explanation if you'd like. I'm a (technical) Japanese-to-English translator, so please reach out if you ever need any support with pronunciation, etc. down the road. I studied that book in my undergrad, so I have very fond memories. Looking forward to your thoughtful video about it!
My pleasure. How wonderful to be a Japanese-English translator! I’ve been brushing up on my Japanese lit (Kawabata, Mishima, Soseki, et al.). I just checked and it looks like I’ve got the Washburn translation. But I’ll certainly get the Tyler if you suggest so. Looks like I have the Tyler translation of Tale of Heike. I may well get in touch for pronunciation help, etc. Please send me an email.
Hey, the new paperback edition FINALLY got released, after months of delays. So, if you want to grab it, do it now. Looking forward to getting mine. I just hope they didn't go cheap on the quality, since this book is very huge to put in a single paperback edition. I think the previous OOP paperback edition was published in 2 volumes.
I used to read passages from this out loud to my housemate during breakfast (I actually really want to find again that passage in the first thirty pages about those gigantic moving chess pieces, which I thought was stunning). It is a gorgeous book, though I felt like the image nets really had nothing more to say about the characters at about 200 pages, so I dropped off reading this one. It is a depressing book, everyone wrapped in fog and dream, so wouldn’t read this one if you’re having some kind of ontological/existential anxiety (which I’m prone to). Also, if you’re a huge fan of rococo styles like me, and want to try out something more digestible but still as dense and rewarding, check out Lucie Brock Broido’s first three poetry books. She’s a poet’s poet, but the least popularly known poet that a lot of poets think they can get away with stealing from. It’s so funny when I catch someone cribbing her style.
What a great vignette about reading this to a housemate. I second your suggestion not to read this book if you're already in the mire! Thanks for the recommendation of Lucie Brock Broido--I'll check that out!
Just ordered a book of Brock Broido-you weren’t kidding. Amazing stuff and I never heard of her and I hang with a lot of poets. Now to see if they have all been cribbing or not!
This novel has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Months ago I put in a bid on Ebay, assumed I had it locked up, and got outbid last second. Then a couple of weeks ago I had a dream in which Young was my neighbor. Now your video. Might be time… will wait for the Dalkey (Only 19 minutes into the video but excellent work as always!)
I had a dream that I spent time talking with John Barth in his university office (I have never met him in my life). When I woke up I knew it was time to re-read The Sot-Weed Factor.
@@LeafbyLeaf One of those back burner books I should have read by now, with a paperback edition there's no excuses so thanks for the nudge by reviewing this novel and reminding me I need to read it. You are the man, sir.
Did they send you the ebook as well? There's no delivery to where I live, so may I be rude and ask for that file please? I'd completely understand if you say no.
I've been putting this one off for a long time as well. I have a two-volume copy and was not aware it will be reissued this year. It seems to be a lesser known piece and hopefully the reissue will boost attention!
One more rococo book about dreams and our inability to access reality, Nightwood by Djuna Barnes, which is often compared to Finnegan’s Wake but honestly a lot more entertaining, and a book you can actually read.
I am reading Finnegan's Wake now, the first time from page 1 on, and I can understand as much as I want to, but find more pleasure taking it in slowly, letting the laughter lounge lopsidedly, long then lapsing afore the next passage.
Full disclosure: I read the first half of this and I could take no more. I have the Harcourt Brace 2-volume paperback edition in a box. I like 'Tender Buttons,' but anyone who reads Stein will have a favorite. It's literally what words resonate with one the most and that's it! 'Lucy Church Amiably' is a fantastic reading experience.
You've done it again. I must read this book. Please tell us you are writing an introduction, foreword, preface or afterword for the new edition. Is there another living person more qualified?
Very, very kind of you to say! No--I am not set to contribute anything to the forthcoming reissue. But I am working on an introduction to another exciting book that's coming out later this year!
A question slightly unrelated to the video: Do you ever dislike a prose style for being "overwritten"? I am trying to grapple with this idea of "overwriting" as I am working on my own stories and I can't help but feel that the term is a little tough to swallow. DFW's writing could be described as "overwritten" and so could some of the work of William Gass (and many others), but that is, sometimes, precisely why it is attractive. There is something fun about going through a difficult sentence that might be exploding with adjectives and figurative speech and all that wonderful philosophical contemplation. It can be a bit difficult to juggle this idea when trying to write your own stories.
For me personally, the more I read the more I tend to like what is classified as "overwritten" or "maximalism" (or baroque, or rococo, or what have you). I do enjoy a fair amount of minimalism, too, which can be highly effective--but I find that I tend to side with Michael Dirda: "...literature, after all, thrives best when a writer's reach slightly exceeds his grasp..." (from "Maxims, Etc." collected in Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments).
I have went through your review a couple of times now, and I really enjoy your brilliance of bringing together a cohesive storyline about the novel itself. But..but...I have a feeling that I won't enjoy this novel, the more I understand your review to a deeper level, the more I don't understand the novel.
Certainly it won't be to many people's taste--and you're not alone: John Barth and William Gass both dismissed it as a failed project. There're plenty of great books out there!
Thank you for another very interesting video. Off topic: have you read anything by Alejo Carpentier? He is probably my favourite Spanish language author. I'm curious to hear what you think of him
I have not read Carpentier yet, but I have Explosion in a Cathedral on my shelves, waiting. Coincidentally, I'm currently rereading Julio Cortázar's Hopscotch--wonderful!
Explosion in a Cathedral is probably my favourite Spanish language novel. I'm curious of how Carpentier's language translates into English. In fact the original title of the novel is closer to "the enlightened century" or, more literally, "a century of lights" perhaps. I haven't read hopscotch, but am quite familiar with Cortázar's short stories, some of which I really like. In fact Cortázar is part of the high school reading curriculum where I am from
Have you read John Cowper Powys? He wrote some large novels in the early twentieth century full of beautiful language and imagery. May be right up your ally.
Hello! I don't have a video specifically on that, but I've got at least 3 relevant videos: ua-cam.com/video/qOELko4DumU/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/k7j5jcDsKAM/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/Qys9NMFYBEc/v-deo.html
Great video. Heard about this one a few years back, but it always remained out of reach, both artistically and physically. Was interested in picking up a copy of the Dalkey reprint, but felt a bit on the fence about it given that it seems to have very little in common with its contemporaries. I like the Modernists, but they have the habit of being a bit dour. It’s one of the things that made Joyce such a joy compared to Robert Müsil, who I got sick of quickly. He managed to be funny, while maintaining the grandiosity. Like he understood that the high needed the low to counterbalance it and give it meaning. What Bakhtin viewed as the Carnivalesque, an overturning of style with his humour. This video has pushed me to give it a shot. At best I’ll love it, and at worst I’ll have read an under-appreciated classic even if it didn’t bring me the joy I hoped. If I could give a piece of criticism about the video though: The transition of the block quote at around 31 minutes from the left hand side to stretched across the screen was disorienting. The stretched quote was also a lot harder to read simply because the text got slightly squashed in the process of stretching it. Otherwise excellent video.
I like your view on giving it a shot! Joyce, of course, is just a master in almost every way. And thanks so much for the feedback on the video. I agree, those parts are wonky. I think I got lazy. :)
Quantum Spitzer...not one thing, not the other thing, both and neither and alive and dead (is he himself or his brother or are they just Catherine's addled perception of one man?
I was very disappointed to see that the Dalkey Press reissue has a truly ugly cover for Young’s book. They should have simply used Scribners original beautiful cover by Paul Bacon. I’m sure at this point there are no rights issues. And if there were they could have been easily addressed and negotiated.
Yeah, I’m not crazy about the template they’re using for the Essentials reissues (not to mention their other problems), but, hey, at least someone is making these texts available at affordable prices!
I live Leaf by Leaf but am disappointed about the music in this…I don’t remember that happening in others I’ve listened to. Horribly intrusive in my view. Why is it there? What’s the idea? Can I switch it off somehow?
I am so sorry. I should have learned from my mistake in my _Man without Qualities_ videos. I thought I tucked the music under my voice enough that it wouldn't be too distracting. The point was to make it slightly less like a droning monologue since I was reading from an essay I wrote. Unfortunately, it can't be turned off. I'm really sorry!
Edmund Wilson agrees (noted in his book Axel’s Castle). I myself almost made it halfway. Coincidentally, I just made a video on two other Stein works yesterday. It’ll post in a month or so.
About a year ago, I found out that my university library had a pristine first edition hardcover of MMMD just sitting on the shelf. It turned out that it hadn’t been checked out in about a decade, so I tried everything I could to purchase it from them, but they said it was against school policy to sell books to students. I wonder how many other priceless copies are just sitting around gathering dust for no reason!
I'm not suggesting any illicit activity here, but, I know someone who "loses" certain library books they check out. In most cases the "replacement" fee is nominal compared to the price-gouging on the Internet. It should be a criminal offense to hold copies of unread/uncheckedout books hostage!
No reason? You could check it out, recommend it to 10 people, 3 of them will follow your example, and the book that was written to be read is read and not financially objectified.
Holy cow! The amount of effort you put into this video is insanely extraordinary Chris. You are absolutely the best at what you do good sir. I look forward to the reprinting. Cheers.
Very, very kind of you to say! I love sharing what I love!
I was a student in her writing class at the New School. She changed my life.
Unknown masterpiece. Wildly beautiful. A powerhouse. Young was my writing teacher at Fordham in 1976. She was largely a pain in the ass as a teacher. She came on to my girlfriend when I ran into her
This was such an enjoyable comment!
Marguerite Young’s prose…it truly is a beautiful thing, bringing to mind an orchestra playing to an empty auditorium since the 1960s, sounding as though from the hall of some forgotten time, echoing among the peeling plaster and crumbling brickwork of the Western Canon, without a note out of place.
I was already excited for the novel’s rerelease, but your video has increased my excitement all the more!
GREAT metaphor! I'm gearing up to read Angel in the Forest now, which a lot of discerning readers and Young fans cite as an even better read.
Brilliant essay of an absolutely extraordinary book. You manage to put into words what I can't - the surreality leaves me unable to analyze this novel, or maybe unwilling, afraid of breaking the spell by confining it. I get lost in the world conjured by Miss Young's beautiful words, I've always been great at visualizing, as I did nothing but read books at the library as a a child - we never had much money, so I practically lived there, going to free events and poring through tome after tome. Reading this novel... it's hallucinatory. Images, foggy and painted faded blue and green, like moving watercolor, flow through my mind as I read. The world around seems to fade away, and I feel as if I'm dreaming while awake. I have a signed first edition, and it's one of my most prized possessions.
I really don't understand how you don't have more subs? The amount of effort you put in and the quality really comes out, we don't live in a just world.
Very kind of you to say! But it's all right. I'd rather have minimal subscribers but they truly be interested in these books.
He does it because he loves it, not only for subs and money. ☺
In fact I make 0 money off the videos-they’re not monetized at all. Cheers!
Chris, you are an artist. I am a loss for words. Very impressive.
Very, very kind of you. Thank you!
I'm perpetually reading this one, it seems. I've been "officially" in my second attempt over the past year, and got further in than previously but, alas, other aspects of life drew me away, which is fatal to sticking with it, because, as you suggest, it is one of the ultimate tests of concentration.. What I have managed to read of it makes me think it could be my favorite novel; I warmed to its repetitive, incantatory style, presenting often the same information over and over in ever-modifying layers, experiencing its inner and outer worlds, reality and dreams, prismatically. Most copies out there are in two parts, the old Harcourt 2-part paperback and the old Dalkey 2-part paperback. The original HC is now too expensive for most people, including me. I have part 1 from Dalkey and part 2 from Harcourt/Harvest, because I had to piece together an affordable edition from what was available. I'm still in the process of watching your review. Thanks again for tackling what others won't tackle.
Of course, to be fair, there are aspects of our lives wo which we MUST yield--sickness, children, spouses, jobs, etc. And sometimes we have to spar with books a few times before something happens and the pursuit takes hold. It's my pleasure to share these things. All my best to you!
@@LeafbyLeaf "The pursuit takes hold" is a perfect way of putting it. I've completed several books of similar or greater length. The boards have to be cleared largely, though, before I can do that. This also applies to my writing. I've completed four novels (unpublished). Keep rocking, my good man.
After watching quite a few of your videos, and really digging your angle on a lot of my favorite books, I'm starting to recognize a trend of high praise in the comments on your channel. I figured I'd add to the chorus myself. While I have plenty of friends, I don't have anyone in my life that shares my passion for reading to the degree I do, and in my experience the people who truly get excited about this sort of stuff tend to be few and far between. Your videos have enriched my reading experiences in a way that I think a lot of readers struggle to find, yet yearn for. I often find it difficult to really share my excitement for literature and philosophy without worrying about coming off as pretentious or vain, and watching your videos has made it abundantly clear to me that it is perfectly possible to explore the depths of human thought and still remain humble and approachable. Thank you so much for the work you do man. In a strange sort of way, its liberating to see you just clearly doing what you love.
I really appreciate your kindness here, Sam! As it happens, your experience completely mirrors mine. In fact, I will copy-and-paste back to you everything you wrote that equally applies to me: "While I have plenty of friends, I don't have anyone in my life that shares my passion for reading to the degree I do, and in my experience the people who truly get excited about this sort of stuff tend to be few and far between... I often find it difficult to really share my excitement for literature and philosophy without worrying about coming off as pretentious or vain...." This is precisely the impetus for the inception of this channel! So it is a real treat when it connects with someone on the same level. All my very best to you!
you’re the goat of book tube. thanks for another gem
Haha! Thanks! It's my pleasure.
You had me at phantasmagoria-I’m preordering this from Dalkey Archive Press. Thank you for this.
My pleasure!
Lovely style update.
Yeah, I need to pick this one up myself, sooner or later. Literally with both hands.
Thanks!
Haha--yes, you will need both of them!
Anais Nin, a friend of Marguerite Young, wrote a review of the novel for the LA Times then it was re-published in Nin's 6th volume of her diaries if anyone is interested in her take on the book.
I will seek that out immediately-thanks so much!
Can you give us a tl;dr version of it? I mean, was it a favorable review? Was she gushing with admiration or dismissive or…?
@@LeafbyLeaf Come to think of it… Have you done a vid on anything by Anaïs? As a dude i feel pretty isolated out there reading her diaries and letters.
Amen about consuming faster and faster. I continually lament the feeling of needing to hurry through this book in order to get to the next. Ugh. Why? I don’t know why.
I went through that particular mode for years. Then I happened upon the first essay in my collection of Gore Vidal's essays, and he made a point about "consuming" rather than "reading." It hit me hard and I started to really examine my inclinations and motives as a reader. As I've thought more about this over the years, too, I think that it is OK to go for quantity for a while to sort of build up an acquaintance with what's out there, amassing a passing knowledge of the annals of literature. But then one should switch to quality and really engage with each book and read and reread the best of what has been written. Of course, in the end, it will come back to your main motives as a reader. Our hypermedia culture doesn't help at all--I think we get trained to feel as if we've read a book simply because we've purchased it, like collecting baseball cards.
Loving the format update with the onscreen text! Excellent video - hoping to get my hands on the paperback later this year. Happy new year Chris!
Thanks for the feedback! I had more time than usual over Christmas break (when I made this video). Preorders are open for the paperback!
Loved the new video style! Excited to see you polish this sort of thing as you do it more. And man, I can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks so much!
Loved that your rapturous review matched the dizzying intensity of Young's writing. Can't wait for this to return back to print later this year. It is top on my list of books to get. Looking forward to taking a dip into her oceanic prose! Cheers!
That's a huge compliment there--thanks so much!
I love the structure of this video. I found it more engaging than some of your other long form videos.
Thanks so much for that feedback! It took rather a long time for my feeble editing skills, so I can't promise it'll be standard. Or, at least, it will be reserved for longer videos or something. Thanks again!
You are an incredibly inteligent human and reader and I am so glad that I am able to watch your videos. I would to read this book sometime, but here in czech it was hard enough to find Gaddis to read, so for MMMD (just like for making of Americans) I have no hope yet.
Extremely kind of you to say! Perhaps with the resurrected Dalkey Archive and the forthcoming reissue of MMMD, you will have a way to get the books without paying an outrageous shipping fee. Before COVID shut down travel with my company, I would go to Poland 5x/year. So, perhaps if travel resumes, the next time I get to Poland, I could get the books, bring them with me, and mail them to you from there! Send me an email, so I can record your contact info. All my best to you!
I just discovered your channel the other day, and I'm loving your content. Thanks for the immense work you put into these thoughtful videos. I just wrapped up 2666 late last year, The Recognitions earlier this year (really appreciated your video about this one, as well as the one about Infinite Jest), and now finally into Gravity's Rainbow after having it on my shelf for well over a decade. I'm really looking forward to diving into MMMD when it gets republished in August as well. I spy your DeLillo collection at the very top of the frame - I hope you'll cover Underworld one day (; Perhaps also The Tale of Genji??
Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that the video have value. I do need to get DeLillo (and many others) on the channel, as the absence is atrocious. As for The Tale of Genji, it’s on my calendar for early 2023! 😁
@@LeafbyLeaf Thanks so much for taking a moment to respond (: I'd personally be thrilled if you covered Underworld, it's my fave DeLillo and one of my favourite books of all time. That's very exciting about Genji too - may I ask which translation you're thinking of reading? If I may, I would suggest you strongly consider the Royall Tyler translation. Happy to provide more of an explanation if you'd like. I'm a (technical) Japanese-to-English translator, so please reach out if you ever need any support with pronunciation, etc. down the road. I studied that book in my undergrad, so I have very fond memories. Looking forward to your thoughtful video about it!
My pleasure. How wonderful to be a Japanese-English translator! I’ve been brushing up on my Japanese lit (Kawabata, Mishima, Soseki, et al.). I just checked and it looks like I’ve got the Washburn translation. But I’ll certainly get the Tyler if you suggest so. Looks like I have the Tyler translation of Tale of Heike. I may well get in touch for pronunciation help, etc. Please send me an email.
@@LeafbyLeaf Just sent you an email! Please take your time, but looking forward to your response (:
Got it! I’ll be in touch.
Beautiful discussion of a great book.
Thanks so much!
Hey, the new paperback edition FINALLY got released, after months of delays. So, if you want to grab it, do it now. Looking forward to getting mine. I just hope they didn't go cheap on the quality, since this book is very huge to put in a single paperback edition. I think the previous OOP paperback edition was published in 2 volumes.
I used to read passages from this out loud to my housemate during breakfast (I actually really want to find again that passage in the first thirty pages about those gigantic moving chess pieces, which I thought was stunning). It is a gorgeous book, though I felt like the image nets really had nothing more to say about the characters at about 200 pages, so I dropped off reading this one. It is a depressing book, everyone wrapped in fog and dream, so wouldn’t read this one if you’re having some kind of ontological/existential anxiety (which I’m prone to). Also, if you’re a huge fan of rococo styles like me, and want to try out something more digestible but still as dense and rewarding, check out Lucie Brock Broido’s first three poetry books. She’s a poet’s poet, but the least popularly known poet that a lot of poets think they can get away with stealing from. It’s so funny when I catch someone cribbing her style.
What a great vignette about reading this to a housemate.
I second your suggestion not to read this book if you're already in the mire!
Thanks for the recommendation of Lucie Brock Broido--I'll check that out!
Just ordered a book of Brock Broido-you weren’t kidding. Amazing stuff and I never heard of her and I hang with a lot of poets. Now to see if they have all been cribbing or not!
This novel has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Months ago I put in a bid on Ebay, assumed I had it locked up, and got outbid last second.
Then a couple of weeks ago I had a dream in which Young was my neighbor. Now your video. Might be time… will wait for the Dalkey
(Only 19 minutes into the video but excellent work as always!)
I had a dream that I spent time talking with John Barth in his university office (I have never met him in my life). When I woke up I knew it was time to re-read The Sot-Weed Factor.
@@LeafbyLeaf brilliant. Dreams planting the seeds
Fantastic new format, Chris. Adding this to a new List I am keeping called TBB to be bought… in an effort to slow the pace of TBR growth!
I love the different lists we make in this reading life: "to be looked into"; "to be bought"; "to be read"; "did not finish"; "to be re-read"; etc. :)
@@LeafbyLeaf to be burned… rofl… NO! Just kidding.
Lol
An intricate and informative review 👏
Glad you found it useful!
Will definitely have to pick up the paperback, this will be a great Fall read.
Defintiely!
@@LeafbyLeaf One of those back burner books I should have read by now, with a paperback edition there's no excuses so thanks for the nudge by reviewing this novel and reminding me I need to read it. You are the man, sir.
A new edition is coming out later this month. I have it on pre-order. Love the phrase "oblique peers."
:)
Did they send you the ebook as well? There's no delivery to where I live, so may I be rude and ask for that file please? I'd completely understand if you say no.
I've been putting this one off for a long time as well. I have a two-volume copy and was not aware it will be reissued this year. It seems to be a lesser known piece and hopefully the reissue will boost attention!
Yes, it has been obscured, but its bones shake with life!
Hard book to find. Waiting for the reprint later this year.
Yes, my preorder is in with the resurrected Dalkey!
@@LeafbyLeaf by the way, awesome video! A lot words for me to look up in this one though!
Thanks so much!
That opening read was terrific.
Her sentences are pleasure catalysts.
@@LeafbyLeaf well put. (I think)
I wanna be like you when I grow up :)
Me, too!
One more rococo book about dreams and our inability to access reality, Nightwood by Djuna Barnes, which is often compared to Finnegan’s Wake but honestly a lot more entertaining, and a book you can actually read.
Nightwood! Now there's one I need to get on this channel. Thanks for this (inadvertent?) nudge!
I am reading Finnegan's Wake now, the first time from page 1 on, and I can understand as much as I want to, but find more pleasure taking it in slowly, letting the laughter lounge lopsidedly, long then lapsing afore the next passage.
Full disclosure: I read the first half of this and I could take no more. I have the Harcourt Brace 2-volume paperback edition in a box. I like 'Tender Buttons,' but anyone who reads Stein will have a favorite. It's literally what words resonate with one the most and that's it! 'Lucy Church Amiably' is a fantastic reading experience.
Coincidentally I just recorded my Stein video yesterday-and it’s on Four Saints in Three Acts and Tender Buttons! It’ll be out in a month or so.
You've done it again. I must read this book. Please tell us you are writing an introduction, foreword, preface or afterword for the new edition. Is there another living person more qualified?
Very, very kind of you to say! No--I am not set to contribute anything to the forthcoming reissue. But I am working on an introduction to another exciting book that's coming out later this year!
This was a fantastic review of an author I had never heard of--I wish you could accept donations via other platforms than Paypal and Stripe though.
Very kind of you to say! I do accept “coffees” from people via PayPal. The link is in the description.
UNDERATED...
i love Gertrude Stein, especially 'Ida' and 'Stanzas in Meditation'. But that giant book is an exercise in narcissism.
Have you read Tender Buttons or listened to the Virgil Thomson production of Four Saints in Three Acts?
A question slightly unrelated to the video: Do you ever dislike a prose style for being "overwritten"? I am trying to grapple with this idea of "overwriting" as I am working on my own stories and I can't help but feel that the term is a little tough to swallow. DFW's writing could be described as "overwritten" and so could some of the work of William Gass (and many others), but that is, sometimes, precisely why it is attractive. There is something fun about going through a difficult sentence that might be exploding with adjectives and figurative speech and all that wonderful philosophical contemplation. It can be a bit difficult to juggle this idea when trying to write your own stories.
For me personally, the more I read the more I tend to like what is classified as "overwritten" or "maximalism" (or baroque, or rococo, or what have you). I do enjoy a fair amount of minimalism, too, which can be highly effective--but I find that I tend to side with Michael Dirda: "...literature, after all, thrives best when a writer's reach slightly exceeds his grasp..." (from "Maxims, Etc." collected in Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments).
I literally just seen someone talking about this book!
It's clearly a sign!
@@LeafbyLeaf one mustn't argue with synchronicity.
I have went through your review a couple of times now, and I really enjoy your brilliance of bringing together a cohesive storyline about the novel itself.
But..but...I have a feeling that I won't enjoy this novel, the more I understand your review to a deeper level, the more I don't understand the novel.
Certainly it won't be to many people's taste--and you're not alone: John Barth and William Gass both dismissed it as a failed project. There're plenty of great books out there!
Thank you for another very interesting video. Off topic: have you read anything by Alejo Carpentier? He is probably my favourite Spanish language author. I'm curious to hear what you think of him
I have not read Carpentier yet, but I have Explosion in a Cathedral on my shelves, waiting. Coincidentally, I'm currently rereading Julio Cortázar's Hopscotch--wonderful!
Explosion in a Cathedral is probably my favourite Spanish language novel. I'm curious of how Carpentier's language translates into English. In fact the original title of the novel is closer to "the enlightened century" or, more literally, "a century of lights" perhaps.
I haven't read hopscotch, but am quite familiar with Cortázar's short stories, some of which I really like. In fact Cortázar is part of the high school reading curriculum where I am from
Any Lydia Davis or more Krasznahorkai coming down the pipeline?
Yep! Lydia Davis video in a couple weeks. Krasznahorkai in a few months.
A bus as a metaphor? Kamawn!
To be fair, I don't see the vessel as the metaphor--but rather the classical westward odyssey as the metaphor.
Have you read John Cowper Powys? He wrote some large novels in the early twentieth century full of beautiful language and imagery. May be right up your ally.
I still have not read JCP, not even his famed diaries! But his work is definitely firmly on my radar.
im new here, but do you have a video on how to appropriately read a book
Hello! I don't have a video specifically on that, but I've got at least 3 relevant videos:
ua-cam.com/video/qOELko4DumU/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/k7j5jcDsKAM/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/Qys9NMFYBEc/v-deo.html
Great video.
Heard about this one a few years back, but it always remained out of reach, both artistically and physically. Was interested in picking up a copy of the Dalkey reprint, but felt a bit on the fence about it given that it seems to have very little in common with its contemporaries. I like the Modernists, but they have the habit of being a bit dour. It’s one of the things that made Joyce such a joy compared to Robert Müsil, who I got sick of quickly. He managed to be funny, while maintaining the grandiosity. Like he understood that the high needed the low to counterbalance it and give it meaning. What Bakhtin viewed as the Carnivalesque, an overturning of style with his humour.
This video has pushed me to give it a shot. At best I’ll love it, and at worst I’ll have read an under-appreciated classic even if it didn’t bring me the joy I hoped.
If I could give a piece of criticism about the video though:
The transition of the block quote at around 31 minutes from the left hand side to stretched across the screen was disorienting. The stretched quote was also a lot harder to read simply because the text got slightly squashed in the process of stretching it. Otherwise excellent video.
I like your view on giving it a shot!
Joyce, of course, is just a master in almost every way.
And thanks so much for the feedback on the video. I agree, those parts are wonky. I think I got lazy. :)
@@LeafbyLeaf Lazy is the wrong word. It does a disservice to the work. You just overlooked a small detail in a 40 minute video.
Yeah-yours sounds better! 😁
Quantum Spitzer...not one thing, not the other thing, both and neither and alive and dead (is he himself or his brother or are they just Catherine's addled perception of one man?
Indeed! What a character--*rimshot*
You and your words are in no way comparable to a moth Chris, you're at the very least a very substantial sized bird
XD :)
All the samples of this prose reinforces my take.
You are certainly not alone, my friend. Plenty of people, plenty of great writers of the time, panned this one.
gangster ass intro
😆😆😆thanks!
Have you ever counted your books?
Actually-no! And I can’t keep my Goodreads shelves updated to save my life. Perhaps one snowy day…
This book seems like a giant version of Anais Nin's attempts to provoke or stimulate with very pedestrian surrealism.
Young's mastery of alliteration is off the charts. Not pedestrian.
I was very disappointed to see that the Dalkey Press reissue has a truly ugly cover for Young’s book. They should have simply used Scribners original beautiful cover by Paul Bacon. I’m sure at this point there are no rights issues. And if there were they could have been easily addressed and negotiated.
Yeah, I’m not crazy about the template they’re using for the Essentials reissues (not to mention their other problems), but, hey, at least someone is making these texts available at affordable prices!
I live Leaf by Leaf but am disappointed about the music in this…I don’t remember that happening in others I’ve listened to. Horribly intrusive in my view. Why is it there? What’s the idea? Can I switch it off somehow?
I am so sorry. I should have learned from my mistake in my _Man without Qualities_ videos. I thought I tucked the music under my voice enough that it wouldn't be too distracting. The point was to make it slightly less like a droning monologue since I was reading from an essay I wrote. Unfortunately, it can't be turned off. I'm really sorry!
Stein's 'Making of Americans' is unreadable.
Edmund Wilson agrees (noted in his book Axel’s Castle). I myself almost made it halfway. Coincidentally, I just made a video on two other Stein works yesterday. It’ll post in a month or so.
No.
Eh?
@@LeafbyLeaf His mama just told him he had to eat his broccoli and he's throwing a tantrum.
Wow what are the chances lol.
I adore this book