Radium of the Word: A Poetics of Materiality

Radium of the Word explores how a study of language form reveals meanings otherwise inaccessible through ordinary reading strategies. It examines typography, individual letters, and punctuation marks to uncover patterns that are significant without being symbolic, offering a fresh perspective on prose as a dynamic literary form.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 264 pages
\n Publication date: 18 November 2020
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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Radium of the Word is a groundbreaking work that delves into the profound depths of language, offering a fresh perspective on the art of reading. By focusing on the forms of words rather than their denotations, author Craig Dworkin unveils hidden networks and patterns that lie beneath the surface of texts. Through meticulous examination of typography, individual letters, and punctuation marks, he reveals meaningful insights that go beyond mere symbolism, providing a fully meaningful experience without conveying any preordained message.

The title of Radium of the Word is inspired by Mina Loy's poem for Gertrude Stein, which praises her as the Madame "Curie / of the laboratory / of vocabulary." In keeping with this spirit, Dworkin views prose as a dynamic literary form characterized by experimentation. He draws upon examples from a wide range of writers, including Lyn Hejinian, William Faulkner, and Joseph Roth, showcasing the versatility and richness of the prose genre.

Furthermore, Dworkin delves into the significance of the proper name in Modernism, exploring examples from Stein, Loy, and Guillaume Apollinaire. He offers in-depth analyses of individual authors from the counter-canon of the avant-garde, such as P. Inman, Russell Atkins, N. H. Pritchard, and Andy Warhol, expanding our understanding of the avant-garde's contributions to literature.

The result of Dworkin's meticulous research and insightful analysis is an inspiring intervention in contemporary poetics. Radium of the Word encourages readers to approach language with a renewed sense of curiosity and openness, enabling them to discover new meanings and perspectives that were previously hidden. It is a testament to the power of language and the endless possibilities it holds for interpretation and exploration.

\n Weight: 390g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226743561\n \n