Attention: Dispatches from a Land of Distraction

Joshua Cohen's first collection of nonfiction, Attention, covers modern life, politics, literature, art, music, travel, the media, and psychology, exploring subjects such as Google, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, fictional animals, Gustav Mahler, Aretha Franklin, John Zorn, landscape photography, fake Caravaggios, Wikipedia, Gertrude Stein, Edward Snowden, Jonathan Franzen, Olympic womens fencing, Atlantic City casinos, the closing of the Ringling Bros. circus, and Azerbaijan. It is a guide for the perplexed and a handbook for anyone hoping to bring the wisdom of the past into the culture of the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 712 pages
Publication date: 14 August 2018
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Joshua Cohen, a renowned author, makes his debut in the realm of nonfiction with his captivating collection, the culmination of two decades of profound exploration and contemplation about life in the digital age. This remarkable compilation encompasses a wide range of essays, memoirs, critiques, diary entries, and letters, many of which are presented here for the first time. Through his diverse literary forms, Cohen delves into the intricate tapestry of modern existence, encompassing politics, literature, art, music, travel, the media, psychology, and a multitude of subjects that span from the enigmatic realm of Google to the enigmatic figures of Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, fictional animals, the profound compositions of Gustav Mahler, the iconic voices of Aretha Franklin, the visionary works of John Zorn, the art of landscape photography, the deceptive creations of fake Caravaggios, the encyclopedic knowledge of Wikipedia, the enigmatic brilliance of Gertrude Stein, the revelations of Edward Snowden, the introspective writings of Jonathan Franzen, the exhilarating performances of Olympic womens fencing, the vibrant allure of Atlantic City casinos, the melancholic closure of the Ringling Bros. circus, and the captivating landscapes of Azerbaijan. With a keen and discerning eye, Cohen directs his attention both domestically and internationally, employing his exceptional erudition and unparalleled ability to forge connections between seemingly disparate elements. Through his insightful narratives, he offers invaluable guidance on how to navigate the overwhelming abundance of information in our world, teaching us to live fearlessly and embrace the wisdom of the past as we forge a path toward the future. Attention serves as a compass for the perplexed, a handbook for those seeking to infuse the timeless insights of the past into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary culture.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 176 x 144 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910695746