Paracritical Hinge: Essay, Talks, Notes, Interviews

Paracritical Hinge is a collection of diverse pieces that explore Nathaniel Mackey's writing and criticism, covering topics such as Walt Whitman, African American experimental writing, flamenco, H. D., Robert Duncan, diasporic syncretism, lyric poems, and gnosticism, with commentary on other artists and Mackey's own work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2018
Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Paracritical Hinge is a comprehensive anthology that explores Nathaniel Mackey's diverse and interconnected literary and critical endeavors. Spanning a wide range of topics, the collection showcases Mackey's multifaceted talents as a writer and critic. It delves into various subjects, including Walt Whitman's fascination with phrenology, the marginalization of African American experimental writing, Kamau Brathwaite's "calibanistic" language practices, Federico García Lorca's flamenco aesthetic of duende, H. D.'s desert measure and coastal way of knowing, Miles Davis's trumpet sound's altered spatial disposition, Robert Duncan's serial poetics, diasporic syncretism, the lyric poems' exploration of contemporary predicaments, and gnosticism. Through insightful commentary on these and other artists such as Amiri Baraka, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Wilson Harris, Jack Spicer, John Coltrane, Jay Wright, and Bob Kaufman, Paracritical Hinge also provides valuable insights into Mackey's own work as a poet, fiction writer, and editor.

Paracritical Hinge is a captivating collection of diverse yet interconnected pieces that highlight Nathaniel Mackey's multifaceted work as a writer and critic. It encompasses a wide range of topics, each of which is intricately connected to Mackey's artistic vision. The anthology delves into various aspects of Mackey's literary and critical interests, showcasing his expertise and intellectual curiosity.

One of the central themes explored in Paracritical Hinge is the influence of Walt Whitman on Mackey's writing. The collection examines Whitman's fascination with phrenology, a pseudoscience that sought to understand the relationship between the shape of the skull and the personality of an individual. Mackey explores how Whitman's interest in phrenology shaped his poetic language and his exploration of the human psyche. Through his analysis of Whitman's work, Mackey sheds light on the ways in which language can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions, and how it can serve as a tool for social and political commentary.

Another significant theme in Paracritical Hinge is the marginalization of African American experimental writing. Mackey examines how African American writers have been historically excluded from mainstream literary discourse and how they have sought to create their own unique literary traditions. He highlights the contributions of writers such as Amiri Baraka, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Wilson Harris, who have challenged traditional literary conventions and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Mackey's commentary on these writers provides valuable insights into the struggles and achievements of African American experimental writers, and how they have contributed to the rich tapestry of American literature.

Paracritical Hinge also explores the influence of other artists and literary movements on Mackey's work. The collection examines the works of Federico García Lorca, particularly his flamenco aesthetic of duende. Mackey explores how Lorca's use of duende influenced his own poetic language and his exploration of the spiritual and emotional dimensions of human experience. He also examines how duende has continued to resonate in contemporary literature and art, particularly in the work of writers and musicians such as Jay Wright and Bob Kaufman.

In addition to these thematic explorations, Paracritical Hinge also sheds light on Mackey's own work as a poet, fiction writer, and editor. The collection includes critical essays that provide insightful commentary on Mackey's poetry, fiction, and editing. Mackey's commentary on his own work offers valuable insights into his artistic process and his philosophical and theoretical influences. He discusses the role of language in his writing, the importance of myth and folklore in his work, and the ways in which he seeks to create a sense of place and belonging in his literary creations.

Paracritical Hinge is a testament to Nathaniel Mackey's intellectual rigor and his commitment to exploring the complexities of literary and cultural discourse. The collection offers readers a rich and rewarding experience, as it provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Mackey's work and its broader cultural significance. Whether one is a scholar of literature or a casual reader interested in exploring new literary voices, Paracritical Hinge is a must-read for anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of contemporary literary and cultural landscapes.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 155 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781609385835