Richard Kostelanetz Ordre des livres

The author captures the essence of New York City as both a backdrop and a muse for his writing. Through personal portrait essays, he vividly portrays key figures of the 1960s American avant-garde, including Merce Cunningham, John Cage, and Allen Ginsberg, providing them with distinct identities. His writing style is characterized by a lightness and humor, reflecting his enjoyment of storytelling. "Extended Appreciations" compiles his significant essays on these influential figures, as well as topics like American radio art and Artistic Environments.

The third edition of this work features Richard Kostelanetz's comprehensive exploration of the avant-garde across various art forms. With rewritten entries and hundreds of new additions, it offers unique insights and information that are not found in other publications or online sources. This updated edition reflects over twenty-five years of research and critical analysis, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the evolution and impact of avant-garde movements in the arts.

Exploring the concept of afterimages, Kostelanetz's latest work creatively arranges words in circular patterns, inviting readers to experience a unique interplay of creation and self-consumption. This innovative approach mirrors the depth of verbal poetry, as the visual format prompts reflection and engagement. The book challenges traditional literary boundaries, encouraging a fresh understanding of language and its impact on perception.

The preface sets the stage for the book, introducing the author's motivations and the themes explored within. It provides insight into the background and context that influenced the writing, offering readers a glimpse into the journey that led to the creation of the work. The author reflects on personal experiences and broader societal issues that shape the narrative, inviting readers to engage with the content on a deeper level. This foundational section establishes a connection between the author and the audience, enhancing the reading experience.

Focusing on the visual enhancement of language, Richard Kostelanetz's latest work animates single English words across more than 100 pages. Each page creates a visual-verbal after-image, stimulating creativity and leaving a lasting impression on readers. This innovative approach to visual poetry encourages a unique interaction between text and imagery, making the experience both engaging and memorable.

Focusing on the evolution of a renowned artists' colony in lower Manhattan, Richard Kostelanetz offers a unique perspective as both historian and participant. He explores how this vibrant community emerged from an industrial slum, detailing the lives and contributions of the artists who shaped its legacy. Through rich narratives, the book captures the dynamic interplay between art and urban environment, highlighting the significance of SoHo in the American art scene.

The book explores the concept of "afterimage" in poetry through a unique visual format, where words are arranged in circular patterns. This design embodies the ancient symbol of the ouroboros, illustrating a cycle of creation and consumption. Richard Kostelanetz invites readers to experience how the arrangement of words can leave lasting impressions, merging visual art with verbal expression to challenge traditional poetic forms.

"I have been writing literary essays for nearly fifty years now. Since most of them appeared in modestly circulated periodicals, it becomes necessary for me to collect the most valuable of them into books. Earlier collections have been devoted to essays on poetry, fiction, visual art, music, culture, performance, and politics. Composed mostly of previously uncollected literary essays, written over the past quarter century, A Person of Letters in the Contemporary World becomes the first to emphasize literature and literary life in general. Since I am a contemporary writer, expanding my practice into the twenty-first century, it is scarcely surprising that my sense of literature, as both a creator and a critic, includes criticism of writing in new media, such as audio and video."--Back cover

Radically innovative, this collection features three poems composed of interleaved one-word sequences, creating a unique reading experience that challenges traditional poetry formats. The narratives within are flexible, allowing readers to shape their interpretations. The book culminates in a visual essay titled "Poetry I Shall Not Make," showcasing Kostelanetz's avant-garde approach. His contributions to literature have garnered recognition in prestigious directories, affirming his status as a distinguished figure in contemporary poetry.