Samuel Beckett's Library critically examines the reading notes and marginalia contained in the books of Samuel Beckett's surviving library in Paris. Previously inaccessible to scholars, this is the first study to assess the importance of the marginalia, inscriptions and other manuscript notes in the 750 volumes of the library. Setting the library into context with other manuscript material such as drafts and notebooks, Samuel Beckett's Library examines the way in which Beckett absorbed, 'translated' and transmitted his reading in his own work. This book thus illuminates Beckett's cultural and intellectual world and shows the ways in which his reading often engendered writing.
• First book to benefit from unique access to Beckett's surviving library • First book to fully examine Beckett's reading practice, and the way he used his reading in his writing • Gives unparalleled access into Beckett's intellectual and cultural contexts
Contents
Acknowledgments; Introduction; 1. Reading traces: Beckett as a reader; 2. Literature in English; 3. Literature in French; 4. Literature in German; 5. Literature in Italian; 6. Classics and other literatures; 7. Philosophy; 8. Religion; 9. Dictionaries; 10. Science; 11. Music and art; Concluding marginalia; Notes; Bibliography; Appendix: catalogue of books in Beckett's library.
Reviews
Advance praise: 'Jorge Luis Borges has narrated the story of a man who buys Shakespeare's memory. Similarly, this exhaustive and compact book gives you access to Samuel Beckett's memory. Beckett's Library, which will become an indispensable reference for future Beckett studies, guides you step by step through Beckett's extensive and polyglot library, explaining its annotations, marginalia, and cross-references. And be reassured, this library also includes Shakespeare …' Jean-Michel Rabaté, University of Pennsylvania
Advance praise: '[Beckett's Library] is a magnificent piece of work. I am mightily impressed with it.' Edward Beckett, Executor of the Beckett Estate
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