Stroke by Stroke [Paperback]

Henri Michaux (Author), Richard Sieburth (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

“Michaux is the poet laureate of our insomnia.”—Anatole Broyard, The New York Times Book Review

“Michaux travels via his languages: lines, words, colors, silences, rhythms. And he does not hesitate to break the back of a word…. In order to arrive: where? At that nowhere that is here, there, and everywhere.”—Octavio Paz

A pairing of two of Henri Michaux’s most contemplative texts—Stroke by Stroke (Par des traits, 1984) and Grasp (Saisir, 1979)—written toward the end of his life. The author’s ink drawings accompany his poetic exploration of animals, insects, language, and human nature. Explosive, measured accounts of men and beasts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Belgian-born French poet, journalist, and painter, Henri Michaux's (1899-1984) body of work includes poetry, travelogues, and art criticism. Michaux was widely traveled; his journeys brought him to North and South America, Africa, India, and China. Michaux gained particular fame for his writing in the 1940s, when his work drew interest from Andre Gide, Lawrence Durrell, and Octavio Paz, among others. Richard Sieburth's translations include Friedrich Holderlin's Hymns and Fragments, Walter Benjamin's Moscow Diary, Gerard de Nerval's Selected Writings, and Henri Michaux's Emergences/Resurgences. His English edition of the Nerval won the 2000 PEN Book-of-the-Month-Club Translation Prize.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Archipelago Books (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976395053
• ISBN-13: 978-0976395058
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 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: #1,144,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and intriguing, December 26, 2008

By 

D. Lynn "David" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stroke by Stroke (Paperback)

Michaux has a wonderful way with his words, images, metaphors and rhythms. His spiritual journey is always transformative. He is a brilliant painter with his words.