Beckett and Buddhism

Beckett and Buddhism explores the Buddhist resonances in Samuel Beckett's writing, tracing their origins to his early reading of Schopenhauer. Through letters, archives, and recent studies, the book charts Beckett's visions of the human predicament, comparing them to the negative and paradoxical path of the Buddha. Angela Moorjani offers insights from cognitive philosophy and science, highlighting creative emptiness and the illusory "I." This study provides a comprehensive exploration of one of the twentieth century's most acclaimed writers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Beckett and Buddhism engages in a comprehensive reevaluation of the Buddhist influences in Samuel Beckett's writing, as elucidated by Angela Moorjani. These resonances, as Moorjani astutely illustrates, can be traced back to Beckett's early engagement with the ideas of Schopenhauer. Through a meticulous exploration of letters, archives, and recent studies of Buddhist thought, alongside Schopenhauer's profound understanding of these concepts, the book charts the Buddhist themes that permeate Beckett's poignant visions of the human predicament. This captivating narrative blends tears and laughter, offering an in-depth elucidation of texts that intersect with the paradoxical and challenging path followed by the Buddha. Moorjani skillfully engages in a dialogue with Western thinking, shedding light on the profound connections between Buddhist philosophy and Western thought. Additionally, she incorporates perspectives from cognitive philosophy and science to delve into the realms of creative emptiness, the illusory "I," and Beckett's insightful exploration of the writing process. By undertaking this far-reaching study, readers will gain invaluable insights into one of the most celebrated writers of the twentieth century, whose innovative fiction, theatre, and poetry ventured into uncharted territories of thought.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316519691