The Nobel Lecture In Literature, 1993 (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The book begins, "Narrative has never been merely entertainment for me. It is, I believe, one of the principle ways in which we absorb knowledge. I hope you will understand then, why I begin with the phrase of what must seem to be the oldest sentence in the world, and the earliest we remember from childhood: "Once upon a time . . " --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Knopf; First edition. edition (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679434372
• ISBN-13: 978-0679434375
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,023,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Important words from a great writer, September 25, 2001

By	Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Toni Morrison delivered a fine lecture upon her acceptance of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. The lecture is dominated by a central parable: about an elderly African-American woman sage who is questioned by some young people.

This parable is a bit overdone, and I found it less than convincing by the end of the text. But the lecture as a whole is thought provoking and even inspiring. Morrison's language is elegant and powerful, and she shares important insights. Especially important, in my opinion, are her cautionary words about the potential use of language as an oppressive force. Overall, I find Morrison's Nobel Lecture to be a fascinating component of her larger body of work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Custodians of language, April 29, 2000

By	Jesse O. Pasca (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Morrison delivers the line that gets drawn in the sand. She asks us to pick a side. A side for language to live with us, or die with us. Some of the most inspirational words i have ever read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, August 27, 1999

By A Customer

Toni Morrison is an awesome writer and truly deserves this prize not just for "Beloved", but for this wonderfully written speech. She is one of the best writers of today.