Convergences: Essays on Art and Literature [Paperback]

Octavio Paz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1991

Engrossing essays that reflect the author’s vast and subtle knowledge of the world. Topics range from the religious rites of the Aztecs to modern american painting, from Eastern art and religion to love and eroticism. Translated by Helen Lane.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This collection of essays by a 1990 Nobelist explores how cultures collide or converge. According to PW, the U.S. ``ethic of hygiene,'' Marxism-as-religion in Latin America and the influence of Japanese culture on Hispano-American writing are among the myriad of subjects examined here.

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

This collection of essays by a 1990 Nobelist explores how cultures collide or converge. According to PW, the U.S. ``ethic of hygiene,'' Marxism-as-religion in Latin America and the influence of Japanese culture on Hispano-American writing are among the myriad of subjects examined here. (Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; 2nd edition (June 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156225867
• ISBN-13: 978-0156225861
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #691,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and ingenious!, May 26, 2004

By 

A Southern Gentleman (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Convergences: Essays on Art and Literature (Paperback)

I came across this book after reading some reviews of Pablo Neruda's works. After reading only 2 chapters, I really got into the work. Paz's essays are incredible insightful, and he is able to analyze not only his own culture but also myriad other cultures and draw semblances between them. Topics wander through art, language, occasionally politics, and even love and eroticism. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in art, international affairs, philosophy, or especially anthropology. Read it, and you won't be disappointed.