“One of our true superstars of nonfiction” (David Foster Wallace), Lewis Hyde offers a playful and inspiring defense of forgetfulness by exploring the healing effect it can have on the human psyche. We live in a culture that prizes memory―how much we can store, the quality of what’s preserved, how we might better document and retain the moments of our life while fighting off the nightmare of losing all that we have experienced. But what if forgetfulness were seen not as something to fear―be it in the form of illness or simple absentmindedness―but rather as a blessing, a balm, a path to peace and rebirth? A Primer for Forgetting is a remarkable experiment in scholarship, autobiography, and social criticism by the author of the classics The Gift and Trickster Makes This World. It forges a new vision of forgetfulness by assembling fragments of art and writing from the ancient world to the modern, weighing the potential boons forgetfulness might offer the present moment as a creative and political force. It also turns inward, using the author’s own life and memory as a canvas upon which to extol the virtues of a concept too long taken as an evil. Drawing material from Hesiod to Jorge Luis Borges to Elizabeth Bishop to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, from myths and legends to very real and recent traumas both personal and historical, A Primer for Forgetting is a unique and remarkable synthesis that only Lewis Hyde could have produced.
✔ Author(s): Lewis Hyde
✔ Title: A Primer for Forgetting: Getting Past the Past
✔ Rating : 4.2 out of 5 base on (124 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 125061953X
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about A Primer for Forgetting by Lewis Hyde
Reeve Adams
Explore the transformative power of travel and adventure in this inspiring memoir. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging writing make you feel like you're right there with them. Each chapter offers new insights into different cultures and landscapes. The narrative is both informative and deeply personal, sharing the highs and lows of the journey. It's a story that inspires wanderlust and personal growth. Perfect for those who love travel stories.
Arabella Whitfield
Experience the thrill of a heist gone wrong in this fast-paced crime novel. The author's detailed plotting and dynamic characters create a compelling narrative. Each twist and turn in the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. The tension and suspense build with each chapter, making it a page-turner. It's an exhilarating read that captures the essence of high-stakes crime. Perfect for fans of heist stories and thrillers.
Lola Frye
Experience the emotional journey of a character discovering their true self in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and rich character development create a deeply resonant narrative. Each chapter explores themes of identity, acceptance, and love with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged from start to finish. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery.
