Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing

Hélène Cixous

ISBN 10: 0231076592 / ISBN 13: 9780231076593

Published by Columbia University Press, US, 1994

About this Item

Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing is a poetic, insightful, and ultimately moving exploration of 'the strange science of writing.' In a magnetic, irresistible narrative, Cixous reflects on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for 'great' writing: The School of the Dead-the notion that something or someone must die in order for good writing to be born; The School of Dreams-the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration and output; and The School of Roots-the importance of depth in the 'nether realms' in all aspects of writing. Cixous's love of language and passion for the written word is evident on every page. Her emotive style draws heavily on the writers she most admires: the Brazilian novelist Clarice Lispector, the Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, the Austrian novelists Ingeborg Bachmann and Thomas Bernhard, Dostoyevsky and, most of all, Kafka.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780231076593

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing
• Publisher: Columbia University Press, US
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231076592
• ISBN 13: 9780231076593
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing is a poetic, insightful, and ultimately moving exploration of 'the strange science of writing.' In a magnetic, irresistible narrative, Cixous reflects on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for 'great' writing: The School of the Dead―the notion that something or someone must die in order for good writing to be born; The School of Dreams―the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration and output; and The School of Roots―the importance of depth in the 'nether realms' in all aspects of writing.

Cixous's love of language and passion for the written word is evident on every page. Her emotive style draws heavily on the writers she most admires: the Brazilian novelist Clarice Lispector, the Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, the Austrian novelists Ingeborg Bachmann and Thomas Bernhard, Dostoyevsky and, most of all, Kafka.

About the Author

Helene Cixous has published more than thirty works of fiction, plays, and essays. Her recent books translated into English include 'Coming to Writing' and Other Essays; Inside; The Exile of James Joyce; Portrait of Dora; The Newly Born Woman; and Reading with Clarice Lispector.