In 'String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis', the acclaimed author delves into the intricate world of professional tennis, blending insightful analysis with his signature wit. Wallace doesn't just analyze the sport; he explores the psychology of the players, the stakes of competition, and the art of performance. Through a series of essays, he reveals how tennis mirrors life’s deeper questions and challenges. Readers are invited to experience the beauty and complexity of the game alongside Wallace's unique perspective. This book promises to intrigue both tennis enthusiasts and literary aficionados alike.
By David Foster Wallace
Published: 2016
"The game of tennis, like life, is an intricate dance of effort and surrender, where the pursuit of perfection reveals the beauty in imperfection."
An instant classic of American sportswriting—the tennis essays of David Foster Wallace, “the best mind of his generation” (A. O. Scott) and “the best tennis-writer of all time” (New York Times) Gathered for the first time in a deluxe collector's edition, here are David Foster Wallace's legendary writings on tennis, five tour-de-force pieces written with a competitor's insight and a fan's obsessive enthusiasm. Wallace brings his dazzling literary magic to the game he loved as he celebrates the other-worldly genius of Roger Federer; offers a wickedly witty disection of Tracy Austin's memoir; considers the artistry of Michael Joyce, a supremely disciplined athlete on the threshold of fame; resists the crush of commerce at the U.S. Open; and recalls his own career as a "near-great" junior player. Whiting Award-winning writer John Jeremiah Sullivan provides an introduction.
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“The game of tennis, like life, is an intricate dance of effort and surrender, where the pursuit of perfection reveals the beauty in imperfection.”
String Theory
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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