A Barbarian in Asia (Paperback)

~ Henri Michaux (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Michaux, A Barbarian in Asia. surreal and ironic impressions about Asia.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation (September 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811209911
• ISBN-13: 978-0811209915
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #883,670 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An european look at asia, August 30, 2003

By	David Chatenay (San Francisco) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Henri Michaux was travelling by himself in Asia in the 30's when he wrote his first book. Without knowing the language, the culture, the way of life, he tried to describe what he was looking at, the very first impressions he was having, before consience altered his vision. He had a very sharp "eye" for the countries he was living in, the people he was meeting, the stories he read. His perception is very european, but his curiosity for Asia, the "snapshots", images, comparisons, the knowledge he found there makes it a great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Surreal and deep!!, November 13, 2009

By	Joyce Åkesson "www.joyceakesson.com" (Sweden) - See all my reviews

This book, which appeared in France originally in 1933, is translated by Sylvia Beach.
If you love surrealism and descriptions of people from other cultures, you will love to read this book written by the surrealist poet travelogue writer, Henri Michaux.
The thoughts are presented in a special poetic ethnographic genre. Michaux exults in excess and takes up thousand different elements in the different cultures that he presents here. For instance, the Hindu are contemplative, idolatrous, intolerant and immovable. The Chinese are skillful, modest, delicate and precise. The Japanese are too serious. The Malayan are clean, noble and very sympathetic.

Joyce Akesson, author of Love's Thrilling Dimensions and The Invitation

5.0 out of 5 stars Surreal and wise, March 4, 2009

By	Joyce Akesson "www.joyceakesson.com" (Sweden) - See all my reviews

This book, which appeared in France originally in 1933, is translated by Sylvia Beach.
If you love surrealism and descriptions of people from other cultures, you will love to read this book written by the surrealist poet travelogue writer, Henri Michaux.
The thoughts are presented in a special poetic ethnographic genre. Michaux exults in excess and takes up thousand different elements in the different cultures that he presents here. For instance, the Hindu are contemplative, idolatrous, intolerant and immovable. The Chinese are skillful, modest, delicate and precise. The Japanese are too serious. The Malayan are clean, noble and very sympathetic.

From Joyce Akesson author of Love's Thrilling Dimensions