In 1981 a young woman who had recently moved to Norwich was invited out by a group of friends. Amongst them was a man that she had never met before. His name was Max, although the world would later come to know him as W.G. Sebald.

Out of that initial encounter, a friendship was to grow: the more Philippa got to know the young German university lecturer, the fonder of him and the closer to him she became. Their love of European literature and poetry, of people’s personal histories and a shared sense of living in a state of suspended exile offered them plenty of scope for discussion and exploration. Personally and professionally, this was a difficult period in both their lives; yet against this background, the friendship blossomed. And then Philippa was offered new work involving another move and relocation. Physical distance was put between them, meaning they saw less of each other, the relationship eventually fading. Some years later, not long after they had resumed contact, Max was killed in a car crash. He had suffered a heart attack at the wheel.

Making extensive use of diaries she kept at the time, Philippa Comber has written a book on several levels: a memoir about a period in her own fascinating life, including details of family members and friends that take us back through history - we get to meet people from all walks of life, some, in their own way, extraordinary. At the same time, it is a deeply honest and revealing account of a relationship with a difficult man to know – by turns melancholic, outrageously funny, pessimistic, hopeful, proud, yet plagued by doubt. Ariadne’s Thread describes a person at a turning point in his life, as he begins to contemplate writing in a different vein, for himself rather than for academic purposes. We see, illuminated in a personal and frank manner, the ideas and motivations which came together in one man’s mind, subsequently making him one of the most influential European writers of the 20th century.

“We should value Ariadne’s Thread as much for the diversions into Comber’s own legacy, her European journeys, the acts and coincidences of a rich life, as for serial revelations of the Sebaldian persona.” – Iain Sinclair

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Rare and Antiquarian book store in Co Dublin, we have been in Blackrock for over 30 years. Specialising in antiquarian books, first editions, Irish interest, private presses and the social sciences. We are always interested in buying collections of books or important single volumes. Formerly Blackrock Rare Books and now in Cow's Lane Temple Bar. Please let us know if you wish to view any books listed online at our shop, as they are not stored on site.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Temple Bar Bookshop
Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Returns accepted within thirty days of receipt.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 10 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 9.29	US$ 17.43

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.