In 'What We See When We Read', Peter Mendelsund invites readers to explore the intricate dance between text and imagination. This thought-provoking examination delves into how words conjure vivid images in our minds, shaping our perception of literature. Through an array of visual interpretations, Mendelsund challenges us to consider the deeply personal nature of reading. Each chapter teases apart the connection between language and imagery, suggesting that every reader's experience is uniquely their own. Prepare to see familiar stories in an entirely new light and discover the profound impact of reading on our inner worlds.
By Peter Mendelsund
Published: 2014
""Reading is not just a passive act; it's a vivid imagination in motion, where words spark landscapes in our minds, allowing each of us to inhabit the stories in our unique ways.""
A gorgeously unique, fully illustrated exploration into the phenomenology of reading—how we visualize images from reading works of literature, from one of our very best book jacket designers, himself a passionate reader. “A playful, illustrated treatise on how words give rise to mental images.” —The New York Times What do we see when we read? Did Tolstoy really describe Anna Karenina? Did Melville ever really tell us what, exactly, Ishmael looked like? The collection of fragmented images on a page—a graceful ear there, a stray curl, a hat positioned just so—and other clues and signifiers helps us to create an image of a character. But in fact our sense that we know a character intimately has little to do with our ability to concretely picture our beloved—or reviled—literary figures. In this remarkable work of nonfiction, Knopf's Associate Art Director Peter Mendelsund combines his profession, as an award-winning designer; his first career, as a classically trained pianist; and his first love, literature—he considers himself first and foremost as a reader—into what is sure to be one of the most provocative and unusual investigations into how we understand the act of reading.
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“"Reading is not just a passive act; it's a vivid imagination in motion, where words spark landscapes in our minds, allowing each of us to inhabit the stories in our unique ways."”
What We See When We Read
By Peter Mendelsund
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Peter Mendelsund is an acclaimed author and designer known for his innovative approach to both writing and visual storytelling. He has written several notable works including 'What We See When We Read,' 'Cover,' and 'The Looking Book.' Mendelsund's writing often explores the intersections of perception and narrative, employing thought-provoking insights that resonate with readers. His unique style combines intellectual depth with accessibility, making complex ideas engaging and relatable. In addition to his literary contributions, Mendelsund has gained recognition for his work as a book cover designer, further illustrating his multifaceted talent in the realm of literature.
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