THE SIREN AND THE SEASHELL AND OTHER ESSAYS ON POETS AND POETRY

Paz, Octavio; Kemp, Lysander; Peden, Margaret Sayers; Moser, Barry

ISBN 10: 0292775210 / ISBN 13: 9780292775213

Published by University of Texas Press, Austin, 1976

About this Item

Doubly signed first US edition of this collection of poetry-centric essays by the renowned Nobel Prize-winning Mexican poet signed by Paz and warmly inscribed by translator Margaret Sayers Peden. Paz, "known for his brilliant essays as well as for his poetry," combines the two proficiencies in this thoughtful work of literary criticism. THE SIREN AND THE SEASHELL includes essays on individual poets such as Rubén Darío, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (who Paz would go on to write an entire book about), e.e. cummings, Antonio Machado, Robert Frost and more. In further essays, Paz offers his considerable reflections on "the poetry of solitude and communion and the literature of Latin America." Along with Paz's own signature, this copy bears a warmhearted inscription by translator Margaret Sayers Peden, expressing her "fond memories" of fellow-translator Lysander Kemp. 8.25'' x 5.75''. Original light blue cloth, lettered in black to spine. In original unclipped ($9.95) white pictorial jacket. Dark grey endpapers. With black and white illustrations by Barry Moser. vii, 188 pages. Signed by Paz on half-title. Inscribed by Peden on title page: "For Fernando, and with fond memories of a fine translator, editor, and friend, Lysander Kemp. / Petch Peden." Jacket with light edgewear and rubbing. Book with slight lean, else sharp. Seller Inventory # 53204

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE SIREN AND THE SEASHELL AND OTHER ESSAYS ...

Publisher: University of Texas Press, Austin

Publication Date: 1976

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Near fine in near fine jacket.

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First printing.

About this title

Synopsis:

Octavio Paz has long been known for his brilliant essays as well as for his poetry. Through the essays, he has sought to confront the tensions inherent in the conflict between art and society and to achieve a unity of their polarities. The Siren and the Seashell is a collection of Paz’s essays, focusing on individual poets and on poetry in general. The first five poets he treats are Latin American: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Rubén Darío, José Juan Tablada, Ramón López Velarde, and Alfonso Reyes. Then there are essays on Robert Frost, e. e. cummings, Saint-John Perse, Antonio Machado, and Jorge Guillén. Finally, there are Paz’s reflections on the poetry of solitude and communion and the literature of Latin America. Each essay is more than Paz’s impressions of one person or issue; each is the occasion for a wider discussion of cultural, historical, psychological, and philosophical themes. The essays were selected from Paz’s writing between 1942 and 1965 and provide an overview of the development of his thinking and an exploration of the ideas central in his works.

About the Author:

Margaret Sayers Peden is a distinguished critic and translator of Latin American literature.