In 'Both Flesh and Not', David Foster Wallace offers a thought-provoking collection of essays that delve into the intricacies of human experience. With his signature wit and insight, he explores topics ranging from the worlds of tennis and literature to the deeper moral dilemmas of life. Each piece invites readers to question their perceptions, as he intertwines personal anecdotes with profound philosophical reflections. Wallace's unique style challenges us to confront the paradoxes of existence while captivating our intellect. This compelling anthology promises to leave you pondering the very nature of reality long after you've turned the final page.
By David Foster Wallace
Published: 2013
"The most terrifying thing is the idea of living a life that is not your own—of being the creature of someone else's ideas, thoughts, and expectations."
Brilliant, dazzling, never-before-collected nonfiction writings by "one of America's most daring and talented writers." (Los Angeles Times Book Review). Both Flesh and Not gathers fifteen of Wallace's seminal essays, all published in book form for the first time. Never has Wallace's seemingly endless curiosity been more evident than in this compilation of work spanning nearly 20 years of writing. Here, Wallace turns his critical eye with equal enthusiasm toward Roger Federer and Jorge Luis Borges; Terminator 2 and The Best of the Prose Poem; the nature of being a fiction writer and the quandary of defining the essay; the best underappreciated novels and the English language's most irksome misused words; and much more. Both Flesh and Not restores Wallace's essays as originally written, and it includes a selection from his personal vocabulary list, an assembly of unusual words and definitions.
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“The most terrifying thing is the idea of living a life that is not your own—of being the creature of someone else's ideas, thoughts, and expectations.”
Both Flesh and Not
By David Foster Wallace
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
David Foster Wallace was an acclaimed American writer, born in 1962 and best known for his innovative and challenging literary style. His most notable works include the groundbreaking novel "Infinite Jest," which explores themes of addiction, entertainment, and the complexities of modern life, and the collection of essays entitled "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again." Wallace's writing is characterized by its dense prose, footnotes, and deep philosophical insights, often blending humor and tragedy to reflect the human experience. He received numerous awards throughout his career, cementing his legacy as a key figure in contemporary literature.
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