Eros the Bittersweet

Eros the Bittersweet is a book about romantic love by Anne Carson, exploring the concept of eros in classical philosophy and literature. It is epigrammatic, witty, ironic, and entertaining, creating a lyrical meditation in the tradition of William Carlos Williams and William H. Gass.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time, Eros the Bittersweet is Anne Carson's exploration of the concept of eros in both classical philosophy and literature. Beginning with the observation that it was Sappho who first called eros "bittersweet," Carson examines her subject from numerous points of view, creating a lyrical meditation in the tradition of William Carlos Williams's Spring and All and William H. Gass's On Being Blue. Epigrammatic, witty, ironic, and endlessly entertaining, Eros is an utterly original book.

Carson's exploration of eros is multifaceted, drawing on a range of sources and perspectives. She delves into the classical Greek concept of eros, which was often associated with passion and desire, but also with pain and loss. Carson argues that this concept of eros is still relevant in contemporary society, particularly in the way that we navigate the complexities of romantic relationships and the search for love.

Through her analysis of classical literature and philosophy, Carson highlights the ways in which eros has been interpreted and celebrated throughout history. She examines the works of poets such as Sappho, Homer, and Ovid, as well as the writings of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Carson shows how these writers used the concept of eros to explore the nature of love, desire, and the human experience.

One of the most striking features of Eros the Bittersweet is Carson's poetic language and her ability to create vivid images and metaphors. She uses simple but powerful words to convey complex emotions and ideas, and her writing is often infused with humor and irony. Carson's style is reminiscent of the modernist poets of the early 20th century, such as William Carlos Williams and T.S. Eliot, and her use of epigrammatic form adds to the book's sense of wit and playfulness.

In addition to its exploration of eros, Eros the Bittersweet also addresses broader themes of love, desire, and the human condition. Carson examines the ways in which these themes are intertwined with social and cultural norms, and how they shape our understanding of ourselves and others. She also explores the ways in which these themes can be both liberating and destructive, and how we can navigate the complexities of these relationships in a healthy and fulfilling way.

Overall, Eros the Bittersweet is a remarkable book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the concept of eros. Carson's poetic language and her ability to create vivid images and metaphors make it an engaging and thought-provoking read. Whether you are interested in philosophy, literature, or the human experience, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628973860