Daybook 1918: Early Fragments

Daybook 1918: Early Fragments is a significant collection of J. V. Foix's prose poetry in English, showcasing his exploration of experimental poetics in service of Catalan nationalism. Lawrence Venutis' edition includes forty-five prose poems and other prose and verse pieces, immersing readers in the cultural ferment of early twentieth-century Catalonia. Foix's work was influenced by French surrealism, giving Catalan life and landscapes a dreamlike quality. Venuti's translations are praised for their fluidity and resonance, establishing Foix as a key figure in international modernism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2019
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Longlisted for the PEN Award for Poetry in Translation, Daybook 1918: Early Fragments is a groundbreaking collection of prose poetry by the renowned Catalan writer J. V. Foix (1893–1987). This English-language selection represents the first substantial foray into Foix's rich body of work, showcasing his unique blend of prose and verse. Lawrence Venutis meticulous edition presents forty-five prose poems from the early stages of Foix's career, complemented by additional poems, prose fictions, and essays that immerse readers in the vibrant cultural milieu of early twentieth-century Catalonia.

Foix, a passionate advocate for the European avant-gardes, delved into experimental poetics to serve Catalan nationalism during a period of significant experimentation with autonomous government in Catalonia. He was particularly captivated by the revolutionary energy of French surrealism, infusing Catalan life and landscapes with a dreamlike quality while staging unsettling encounters with the enigmatic femme fatale Gertrudis.

In his translations, Venuti expertly harnesses the expressive power of English to convey the profound impact that Foix's Catalan texts had on their original readers. His translations are praised for their fluidity and resonance, capturing the essence of Foix's poetic language and capturing the essence of his visionary vision.

Daybook 1918: Early Fragments not only establishes Foix as a pivotal figure in international modernism but also provides a valuable insight into the rich literary heritage of Catalonia. This collection showcases Foix's talent for blending genres, his exploration of themes of love, loss, and the subconscious, and his ability to create vivid and evocative imagery. By presenting his work in English, Daybook 1918: Early Fragments opens up a new audience to the timeless beauty and profound insights of Foix's prose poetry, ensuring his legacy as a master of literary innovation continues to resonate for generations to come.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 242 x 265 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810140653