Pathetic Literature
from the introduction
In general poems are pathetic and diaries are pathetic. Really Literature is pathetic. Ask anyone who doesn’t care about literature. They would agree. If they bothered at all.
Perhaps the only accomplishment here is I’m saying that as an insider. This book is kind of a hollow. All these pieces of the rock (meaning Literature) long and short are just what I like. The invention of pathetic literature surely is Sei Shōnagon’s Pillow Book. More than a thousand years ago she kept her diaries, her interminable and adorable lists, her sovereignty to herself. Being discovered, she admits, kind of ruined things.
In light of our different pace I’d say we’re ready for ruin.
Publication Date: November 15, 2022
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