Music and Myth in Modern Literature

This book explores the connection between music and myth in three great works of modern literature: Romain Rolland's Jean-Christophe, James Joyce's Ulysses, and Thomas Mann's Doctor Faustus. It challenges the common view that the latter half of The Birth of Tragedy is of secondary importance and offers a fresh and original perspective on these novels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book delves into the profound and intricate relationship between music and myth, as envisioned by the renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in his influential work "The Birth of Tragedy" (1872). Through a meticulous analysis of three remarkable works of modern literature, namely Romain Rolland's Nobel Prize-winning novel "Jean-Christophe" (1904-12), James Joyce's modernist epic "Ulysses" (1922), and Thomas Mann's late masterpiece "Doctor Faustus" (1947), Josh Torabi challenges the prevailing notion that the latter half of "The Birth of Tragedy" holds lesser significance compared to its initial chapters. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of Nietzsche's early aesthetics, the book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on these iconic novels, exploring their interconnected themes and narratives. Moreover, it makes a compelling case for the overlooked significance of "Jean-Christophe," a work that has been unjustly neglected in the Anglophone world despite Rolland's status as a major figure in twentieth-century intellectual and literary history. By unveiling new dimensions to the works of these enduring writers and thinkers, this unique study provides a profound exploration of the enduring power of music and myth in shaping our cultural and intellectual landscape.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367550790