Apocalyptic Ruin and Everyday Wonder in Don DeLillo's America

Apocalyptic Ruin and Everyday Wonder in Don DeLillos America explores "last things" in his works, such as death, mourning, and the decline of the American empire, juxtaposed with apocalyptic ruin and everyday wonder. Michael Naas' book discusses DeLillo's inventive and playful writing, accessible to any level of readership, and highlights the contrast between first and last things, conflicting forces, and the origins of language and the end of the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Apocalyptic Ruin and Everyday Wonder in Don DeLillos America is a captivating exploration of "last things" in Don DeLillo's works, encompassing themes such as death, mourning, the decline of the American empire, the apocalypse, the last judgment, and the end of the world. Michael Naas delves into these complex themes through concise and witty chapters, highlighting DeLillo's inventive and playful writing style. The book offers a unique approach to literary criticism, devoid of secondary sources, and is accessible to readers of all levels while maintaining a strong grasp of the theoretical framework necessary to support its argument.

However, this book extends beyond the exploration of "last things" to encompass the myriad of elements that double or shadow them within the same works. It delves into the wonder of language, the radiance of everyday events, and the contrasting forces that exist between life and death, creation and destruction, consumption and waste, everyday wonder and apocalyptic ruin.

From his early masterpiece Americana (1971) to his recent works like Zero K (2016) and The Silence (2020), Don DeLillo has consistently created meaning by juxtaposing, contrasting, or "contrabanding" first and last things. He explores the origins of language and the end of the world, challenging our perceptions of time and existence.

Through his meticulous demonstration of how DeLillo has revisited these "last things" throughout his career, Naas reveals the enduring relevance of Don DeLillo's works. He reminds us that nothing lasts forever, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.

Apocalyptic Ruin and Everyday Wonder in Don DeLillos America is a profound and thought-provoking study that offers a fresh perspective on the literary brilliance of Don DeLillo. It encourages readers to contemplate the complexities of existence, the fleeting nature of time, and the significance of embracing the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501390692