Sweet Theft

A Poet's Commonplace Book

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Books & Reading, Nonfiction, Entertainment, Drama, Anthologies
Cover of the book Sweet Theft by J.D. McClatchy, Counterpoint
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J.D. McClatchy ISBN: 9781619027602
Publisher: Counterpoint Publication: April 1, 2016
Imprint: Counterpoint Language: English
Author: J.D. McClatchy
ISBN: 9781619027602
Publisher: Counterpoint
Publication: April 1, 2016
Imprint: Counterpoint
Language: English

Centuries ago, when books were rare, those who owned them would lend them to friends, who in turn would copy out passages they especially liked before returning the precious book to its owner. These anthologies came to be known as Commonplace Books, and modern writers as different as W. H. Auden and Alec Guinness have kept them as well, recording phrases or passages that struck them as wise or witty or quirky. The result is as much the self-portrait of a sensibility as it is a collection of miscellaneous delights. Renowned poet J. D. McClatchy has been keeping such a book for three decades now. This selection from it offers a unique look into what strange facts, what turns of mind or phrase, what glorious feats of language and nature can attract the attention of a poet.

The great and the obscure are gathered around the same table, exchanging remarkable opinions. Henry James is speaking of Venice: “The deposed, the defeated, the disenchanted, the wounded, or even only the bored, have seemed to find there something that no other place could give.” At the other end of the table, Groucho Marx is playing drama critic: “I didn’t like the play, but then I saw it under adverse circumstances-the curtain was up.” Nietzsche and Flaubert, Dizzy Gillespie and Marianne Moore-dozens of unexpected and timeless aphorisms and anecdotes that pierce and provoke. Many of McClatchy’s own observations about the art and prowess of writing are included as well.

This is a book meant to be sipped, not gulped; meant to be read at leisure and pondered on at length.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Centuries ago, when books were rare, those who owned them would lend them to friends, who in turn would copy out passages they especially liked before returning the precious book to its owner. These anthologies came to be known as Commonplace Books, and modern writers as different as W. H. Auden and Alec Guinness have kept them as well, recording phrases or passages that struck them as wise or witty or quirky. The result is as much the self-portrait of a sensibility as it is a collection of miscellaneous delights. Renowned poet J. D. McClatchy has been keeping such a book for three decades now. This selection from it offers a unique look into what strange facts, what turns of mind or phrase, what glorious feats of language and nature can attract the attention of a poet.

The great and the obscure are gathered around the same table, exchanging remarkable opinions. Henry James is speaking of Venice: “The deposed, the defeated, the disenchanted, the wounded, or even only the bored, have seemed to find there something that no other place could give.” At the other end of the table, Groucho Marx is playing drama critic: “I didn’t like the play, but then I saw it under adverse circumstances-the curtain was up.” Nietzsche and Flaubert, Dizzy Gillespie and Marianne Moore-dozens of unexpected and timeless aphorisms and anecdotes that pierce and provoke. Many of McClatchy’s own observations about the art and prowess of writing are included as well.

This is a book meant to be sipped, not gulped; meant to be read at leisure and pondered on at length.

More books from Counterpoint

Cover of the book Sleeping Where I Fall by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Lucky You by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Aaronsohn's Maps by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Miniatures of a Zen Master by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book This River by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book The Hidden Wound by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Because It Is So Beautiful by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book All New People by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Searching for Mercy Street by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Evening Thoughts by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Nothing Lasts Forever by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Unknown Remains by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Great Tide Rising by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book Theft by J.D. McClatchy
Cover of the book True Tales of Lust & Love by J.D. McClatchy
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy