Around the World in 80 Books

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

David Damrosch: A Guide to a Literary Round-the-World Adventure

David Damrosch, a restless explorer of literature, stands as the ideal companion for a captivating journey around the world. With his insightful and quirky nature, Damrosch unveils a rich tapestry of eighty classic and modern books that transport readers to diverse corners of the globe. His profound knowledge and eloquent interpretation of these literary treasures make every conversation about books with him a delightful experience.

Orhan Pamuk, inspired by the adventurous spirit of Jules Verne's hero Phileas Fogg, embarked on a remarkable quest. As the chair of Harvard's Department of Comparative Literature and the founder of Harvard's Institute for World Literature, Damrosch sought to counter the limitations imposed by a pandemic. He embarked on a literary odyssey, traversing a literary itinerary that spans from London to Venice, Tehran, and beyond. Through the works of authors such as Virginia Woolf, Dante, Nobel laureates Orhan Pamuk, Wole Soyinka, Mo Yan, and Olga Tokarczuk, Damrosch delves into how these extraordinary books have shaped our perception of the world and how literature intertwines with the world.

In his exploration, Damrosch delves into the dual worlds of writers: the world of personal experience and the world of books that have nurtured their creativity. He showcases a diverse range of literary genres, including contemporary works, perennial classics, crime fiction, fantasy, and the formative tales that introduce us to the world. These eighty titles, when taken together, offer a fresh perspective on perennial issues, ranging from the social consequences of epidemics to the rising inequality that Thomas More addressed in his visionary work, "Utopia."

Damrosch's literary cartography encompasses a broad spectrum of works, inviting readers to embark on a transformative journey of exploration and discovery. Through his meticulous selection and insightful analysis, Damrosch provides a roadmap for literary enthusiasts, guiding them through the labyrinthine landscape of world literature. His book serves as a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries, connect cultures, and ignite the imagination, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience through the lens of eighty exceptional books.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 110 x 180 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141981499