Samuel Beckett's Legacies in American Fiction: Problems in Postmodernism

Samuel Beckett's Legacies in American Fiction explores the profound influence of Samuel Beckett on American writing, highlighting his post-war exhaustion and generation in relation to the emergence of an avant-garde. Through in-depth readings of postmodern authors, the book provides valuable insight into Becketts dissemination in America, following his relationship with the countercultural magazine Evergreen Review and its significant role in shaping his legacies in 20th and 21st-century America.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Samuel Beckett's Legacies in American Fiction is a long-overdue exploration of the profound influence that Beckett's post-war writing has had on American literature. By conducting in-depth readings of postmodern authors like Robert Coover, Donald Barthelme, Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, Paul Auster, and Lydia Davis, this book establishes a connection between Becketts exhaustion and generation themes and the emergence of an explosive American avant-garde. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into the practical realities of Becketts dissemination in America, particularly in light of his longstanding relationship with the countercultural magazine Evergreen Review and its significant role in redefining the possibilities of American culture in the 1960s. While Beckett may be largely removed from his American context, this book traces his enthusiastic, albeit sometimes awkward, reception alongside the authors and institutions that have played a crucial role in shaping his legacies in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Introduction:
Samuel Beckett's Legacies in American Fiction serves as a crucial examination of the enduring impact that Beckett's post-war writing has had on American literature. By delving into the intricate readings of postmodern authors such as Robert Coover, Donald Barthelme, Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, Paul Auster, and Lydia Davis, this book establishes a profound connection between Becketts themes of exhaustion and generation and the emergence of an explosive American avant-garde. Furthermore, this study provides invaluable insights into the practical realities of Becketts dissemination in America, particularly in light of his longstanding relationship with the countercultural magazine Evergreen Review and its pivotal role in reshaping the contours of American culture in the 1960s. While Beckett may be largely detached from his American context, this book traces his enthusiastic, albeit sometimes awkward, reception alongside the authors and institutions that have played a pivotal role in shaping his legacies in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Post-War Writing and the American Avant-Garde:
In the aftermath of World War II, Samuel Beckett's writing underwent a significant transformation. His post-war works, characterized by a sense of exhaustion and a reflection on the generation gap, found resonance with the emerging American avant-garde. The authors examined in this book, such as Robert Coover, Donald Barthelme, Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, Paul Auster, and Lydia Davis, were influenced by Beckett's innovative approach to language and form. They adopted his experimental techniques, such as stream of consciousness, fragmentation, and non-linear narrative, to create their own distinctive works of literature.

Evergreen Review and its Role:
One of the key factors in Becketts dissemination in America was his association with the countercultural magazine Evergreen Review. Founded in 1954, Evergreen Review played a pivotal role in promoting experimental and avant-garde literature in the United States. It was through this publication that Becketts work reached a wider audience, and his influence on American writers began to spread. The magazine's commitment to showcasing emerging talent and challenging traditional literary conventions made it a haven for avant-garde writers, and Becketts contributions to it were significant.

Legacies in 20th and 21st Century America:
While Beckett's influence on American literature may have diminished over time, his legacies continue to be felt in the 20th and 21st centuries. His innovative approach to language and form has inspired generations of writers, and his themes of exhaustion and generation remain relevant in contemporary society. The authors examined in this book have continued to explore these themes in their own work, creating a rich tapestry of literature that reflects the enduring impact of Beckett's writing.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Samuel Beckett's Legacies in American Fiction provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the profound influence that Beckett's post-war writing has had on American literature. Through the in-depth readings of postmodern authors, this book establishes a connection between Becketts themes of exhaustion and generation and the emergence of an explosive American avant-garde. It also offers valuable insights into the practical realities of Becketts dissemination in America, particularly in light of his longstanding relationship with the countercultural magazine Evergreen Review. While Beckett may be largely removed from his American context, this book traces his enthusiastic reception alongside the authors and institutions that have played a crucial role in shaping his legacies in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030815714
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021