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Великите съвременни писатели: A до Z
Петдесет и двама от най-великите съвременни писатели, събрани и илюстрирани от Анди Туи.
Луксозно издание, илюстрирано от популярния художник Анди Туи, съдържащо 52-ма изявени представители на литературата на 20 век.
Информацията за всеки един творец в книгата е синтезирана, но пълнокръвна и изчерпателна, придружена от множество снимки и цитати + уникален портрет.
Луксозно издание, илюстрирано от популярния художник Анди Туи, съдържащо 52-ма изявени представители на литературата на 20 век.
Информацията за всеки един творец в книгата е синтезирана, но пълнокръвна и изчерпателна, придружена от множество снимки и цитати + уникален портрет.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 9, 2017
7 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 20, 2019
На някои читатели може да им се стори, че информацията е твърде оскъдна за сметка на атрактивния илюстративен материал. В интерес на истината обаче именно премерената доза биографично съдържание ме спечели, наред с подборката на по-съвременни имена. Синтезираният ѝ вид превръща четенето в разтоварващо преживяване, информацията се запомня доста по-лесно и най-важното – наистина можеш да отделиш подобаващо внимание на страхотните портрети на Анди Туи, уловили уникалната искра на всеки един от творците.
October 11, 2019
A handy sweeping little introduction to modern literature with very brief bios and mentions of notable works from 52 modern writers. As stated in the intro, the authors 'wanted to make our list as 'inclusive' as possible, in terms of both international scope and of not being dominated by straight white men'. Presumably this means that some authors made the list based on representation over merit and legacy, but debate will always rage over lists like this one. And I won't argue a list of great modern writers that does include personal favourites such as Philip K Dick and Kurt Vonnegut (sci-fi represent!).
It also highlighted, for me at least, who has been largely concentrating on sci-fi and fantasy for most of my reading life, and medieval history in recent years, that I have Modern Lit more covered than I would have previously imagined, though not covered as much as I perhaps would have liked, even given the brief coverage we did in our general sweep of modern literature in the generalist humanities course I undertook all those years ago.
Would I like to see a similar undertaking for each century? At least for a few centuries back? Yes, if it were another brief, digestible sweep such as the one this book presents.
It also highlighted, for me at least, who has been largely concentrating on sci-fi and fantasy for most of my reading life, and medieval history in recent years, that I have Modern Lit more covered than I would have previously imagined, though not covered as much as I perhaps would have liked, even given the brief coverage we did in our general sweep of modern literature in the generalist humanities course I undertook all those years ago.
Would I like to see a similar undertaking for each century? At least for a few centuries back? Yes, if it were another brief, digestible sweep such as the one this book presents.
August 6, 2020
The book is presented beautifully. It is a very good, and enjoyable, way to build a reading list if you are into classics.
January 27, 2018
A beautiful, valuable book!
The style and content of the text (written by Caroline Taggart) is informative and fluid - each profile feels unique and is engaging. The collection is a thorough spread of great modern writers, and as the editorial process is nicely outlined in the preface, I'm not concerned by any potential omissions.
It's a brilliant primer for 20th century literature - I couldn't have described the writing style, themes or contextual importance of the majority of the writers, despite recognising 40 of the 52 names. Now I feel a strong sense of where they all fit, and which authors I'd like to read, plus how, when, what and why I'll be reading them.
The imagery is outstanding - I didn't think illustrations could influence one's conceptual understanding of a writer so well, but Andy Tuohy sets out to do this and achieves it beautifully! There is real feeling captured within every caricature, with the writers symbolism and aesthetic weaved into each profile. If I were to become a deeper student of literature, with a home library or study, I would like to have some of Tuohy's illustrations on the wall for inspiration. I'd certainly pick up a copy of Tuohy's Film Directors and Modern Artists books respectively, if I see them in a library, and I would buy a copy of this Modern Writers book for my aforementioned home library when it eventuates!
For me, there is an overall tone of inspiration running through the book - these are great writers of the 20th century, celebrated for varying combinations of their; literary innovations; influence on social progression; boldness and bravery; expressing truth clearly and cleverly; or for finding their authentic, original voices; all of which are absolutely vital for the continuing development of society, philosophy, politics, the arts and humanity.
Finally, highlighted quotes complement some profiles, acting as well chosen introductions to, or summations of, a writers perspective, for example (in alphabetical order):
Philip K. Dick: "The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them."
Ernest Hemingway: "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
Aldous Huxley: "If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion."
D.H. Lawrence: "Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts."
Doris Lessing: "Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself."
Federico Garcia Lorca: "There is nothing more poetic and terrible than the battle of the skyscrapers with the heavens that cover them."
Yukio Mishima: "I still have no way to survive but to keep writing one line."
R. K. Narayan: "You become writer by writing. It is a yoga."
George Orwell: "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."
Marcel Proust: "Everything great in the world comes from neurotics. They alone have founded our religions and composed our masterpieces."
Salman Rushdie: "A poet's work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep."
John Updike: "You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it."
Kurt Vonnegut: "Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge sundae."
Virginia Woolf: "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman."
To know more about these authors and 38 more, this book is a well-designed resource and an enjoyable read that comes with a wide recommendation.
The style and content of the text (written by Caroline Taggart) is informative and fluid - each profile feels unique and is engaging. The collection is a thorough spread of great modern writers, and as the editorial process is nicely outlined in the preface, I'm not concerned by any potential omissions.
It's a brilliant primer for 20th century literature - I couldn't have described the writing style, themes or contextual importance of the majority of the writers, despite recognising 40 of the 52 names. Now I feel a strong sense of where they all fit, and which authors I'd like to read, plus how, when, what and why I'll be reading them.
The imagery is outstanding - I didn't think illustrations could influence one's conceptual understanding of a writer so well, but Andy Tuohy sets out to do this and achieves it beautifully! There is real feeling captured within every caricature, with the writers symbolism and aesthetic weaved into each profile. If I were to become a deeper student of literature, with a home library or study, I would like to have some of Tuohy's illustrations on the wall for inspiration. I'd certainly pick up a copy of Tuohy's Film Directors and Modern Artists books respectively, if I see them in a library, and I would buy a copy of this Modern Writers book for my aforementioned home library when it eventuates!
For me, there is an overall tone of inspiration running through the book - these are great writers of the 20th century, celebrated for varying combinations of their; literary innovations; influence on social progression; boldness and bravery; expressing truth clearly and cleverly; or for finding their authentic, original voices; all of which are absolutely vital for the continuing development of society, philosophy, politics, the arts and humanity.
Finally, highlighted quotes complement some profiles, acting as well chosen introductions to, or summations of, a writers perspective, for example (in alphabetical order):
Philip K. Dick: "The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use them."
Ernest Hemingway: "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
Aldous Huxley: "If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion."
D.H. Lawrence: "Be a good animal, true to your animal instincts."
Doris Lessing: "Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself."
Federico Garcia Lorca: "There is nothing more poetic and terrible than the battle of the skyscrapers with the heavens that cover them."
Yukio Mishima: "I still have no way to survive but to keep writing one line."
R. K. Narayan: "You become writer by writing. It is a yoga."
George Orwell: "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."
Marcel Proust: "Everything great in the world comes from neurotics. They alone have founded our religions and composed our masterpieces."
Salman Rushdie: "A poet's work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep."
John Updike: "You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it."
Kurt Vonnegut: "Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge sundae."
Virginia Woolf: "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman."
To know more about these authors and 38 more, this book is a well-designed resource and an enjoyable read that comes with a wide recommendation.
August 17, 2021
This book, filled with the amazing illustrations of Andy Tuohy, sums up the important and substantive work of 52 important modern writers.
While reading this book, I felt greatly inspired to achieve grand things. The book celebrates those artists for varying combinations of achievements; innovations, influence on social progression, boldness and bravery, expressing truth clearly and cleverly, activism, or for finding their authentic self.
Their work has changed the world and helped shape the arts, philosophy and politics.
Now that’ve I read that book, I have a better understanding of this iconic characters. I clearly know which author I would like to read, which work in particular and why.
While reading this book, I felt greatly inspired to achieve grand things. The book celebrates those artists for varying combinations of achievements; innovations, influence on social progression, boldness and bravery, expressing truth clearly and cleverly, activism, or for finding their authentic self.
Their work has changed the world and helped shape the arts, philosophy and politics.
Now that’ve I read that book, I have a better understanding of this iconic characters. I clearly know which author I would like to read, which work in particular and why.
February 8, 2024
My breakfast companion. I read parts of this to start my day when I worked from home. And you know what? It helped me carve a peaceful time, albeit brief, out of my mornings before resuming being a slave to the screen.
I liked it for what it was—a good introductory read with cool illustrations and photos. I would’ve preferred for it to be more diverse and comprehensive but then we would’ve gotten a tome, which wasn’t the intention.
I realized I didn’t know a lot about authors because in the past, I usually just got interested in the stories, not the lives of those who wrote them. This book made me curious about several works and historical events, and made me develop stronger appreciation for how these authors’ genius still contributes to the reading culture today.
I liked it for what it was—a good introductory read with cool illustrations and photos. I would’ve preferred for it to be more diverse and comprehensive but then we would’ve gotten a tome, which wasn’t the intention.
I realized I didn’t know a lot about authors because in the past, I usually just got interested in the stories, not the lives of those who wrote them. This book made me curious about several works and historical events, and made me develop stronger appreciation for how these authors’ genius still contributes to the reading culture today.
February 23, 2020
Това е един полезен справочник, събрал 52-ма писатели с портрети, нарисувани от Анди Туи и снимков материал на оригинални корици на книги. За всеки писател накратко има биография и разказ за произведенията, които е написал. Обобщават се насоките, в които твори и се описват герои от книгите. Много ми допадна, макар някои писатели да не ги бях чувала въобще.
May 6, 2020
My brother-in-law gave me this one for Christmas and I've been using it as a resource ever since. Writers like Mann, Borges and Calvino who weren't on my radar are now on my Must Read list. One thing that became very clear to me was that I needed to expand my reading beyond Europe and North America.
A very helpful read.
A very helpful read.
November 1, 2020
A must-have and a must-read for anyone interested in XX century literature and its famous writers. I found out about some titles I have not heard of before (and already bought some of them) and also added some books to my to read list, as I finally understood what they are about and realised they would be of a great interest to me.
And the visual part of the book is stunning too!
And the visual part of the book is stunning too!
June 12, 2018
There’s no point in leaving a bad review for this. It is what it is; an introduction to the lives and works of many great writers, with plenty I’d never heard of (and some surprisingly left out), but with just the right amount of information on each. Fun to read.
June 6, 2025
Като цяло - приятно леко четиво. Отнемам 2 звезди заради:
1. Спойлването на редица творби, което е абсолютно ненужно.
2. Вкарване на абсолютно непознати автори, които няма как да бъдат определени като "велики" с цел покриването на разни ЛГБТ квоти.
1. Спойлването на редица творби, което е абсолютно ненужно.
2. Вкарване на абсолютно непознати автори, които няма как да бъдат определени като "велики" с цел покриването на разни ЛГБТ квоти.
June 28, 2017
A very pretty book, sadly deficient due to its conspicuous omissions.
May 21, 2018
2 1/2 stars. This book had a fun, poppy feel, but the profiles were too short to really share much information that hasn’t already been shared. A nice tribute to some lesser known writers, however.
August 18, 2018
This is a beautiful book and it makes me want to add more books to my 'tbr' list.
November 29, 2019
i'm in love with the cover of this book
August 11, 2020
A great introduction to each writer that anyone can look forward to reading
August 25, 2025
Would be great for a non-reader.
March 21, 2019
important and substantive! a fun, indulgent read.
December 22, 2017
A very beautiful book with a nice selection of 52 great modern writers. Loved the design and the length and content selected to introduce each author.
Of course, one can have a discussion if these 52 writers are the greatest and if others were left out. I must say I really missed Murakami in there.
But all in all - refreshing. I forgot how much I love to read about literature.
Of course, one can have a discussion if these 52 writers are the greatest and if others were left out. I must say I really missed Murakami in there.
But all in all - refreshing. I forgot how much I love to read about literature.
March 2, 2019
‚,Великите съвременни писатели‘‘ е книга със собствен дух. Симбиозата между графичен дизайн и любопитен текстов елемент прави целия ,,проект‘‘ не просто хващащ окото, но и в крайна сметка изключително полезен. Изненадващ е фактът, че сред имената на писателите има и такива, които не са дотолкова известни, а някои дори нямат преведени книги на български. Именно това превръща наръчника в ценна придобивка дори и за хора, които смятат, че са прочели ,,всичко‘‘, тъй като измежду страниците всеки ще намери нещо различно, което досега не е разлиствал.
https://podmosta.bg/review-knigi/veli...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews