To Walk Alone in the Crowd

Antonio Muñoz Molina's Prix Médicis etrangerI want to live on foot, by hand, by pencil, at ease, responsive to whatever I meet, loose like the air that moves around my body as I walk or like a graceful swimming stroke. This is the digital metropolis, captured in notebooks, recorded on the iPhone, where Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, Charles Baudelaire, Thomas de Quincey, Fernando Pessoa, and Walter Benjamin step beside us, all writing the unfinished poem of the crowded city.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Winner of the 2020 Prix Médicis etranger, Antonio Muñoz Molina invites you on a captivating journey through the vibrant cities of Madrid, Paris, London, and New York. In this digital metropolis, where the past and present coexist harmoniously in the literature of newspaper headlines, billboards, casual glances, and overheard conversations, Muñoz Molina takes you on a walking tour that unveils the essence of these cities.

As we stroll through the streets of Madrid, Paris, London, and New York, we are transported to a world where the literary giants of Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, Charles Baudelaire, Thomas de Quincey, Fernando Pessoa, and Walter Benjamin walk alongside us. These luminaries, who have left their indelible mark on the world of literature, join us in composing the unfinished poem of the crowded city.

Through Muñoz Molina's vivid descriptions and insightful observations, we witness the fusion of history and modernity, where ancient landmarks stand side by side with contemporary structures. We observe the city's inhabitants going about their daily lives, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions and stories. We hear the sounds of bustling streets, the melodies of street performers, and the whispers of passing conversations, all contributing to the rich tapestry of this digital metropolis.

In his notebooks, Muñoz Molina captures the essence of this urban experience, recording the sights, sounds, and smells that surround us. He uses his iPhone to document the moments, capturing the raw energy and dynamism of the city. The result is a captivating visual album that allows us to immerse ourselves in the world of Muñoz Molina and experience the magic of these cities through his eyes.

Join Antonio Muñoz Molina on this extraordinary journey through the digital metropolis. Let his words and images transport you to a world where literature, history, and the urban landscape converge, leaving you astonished and inspired. Experience the unfinished poem of the crowded city and let your imagination run wild as you explore the vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden corners of these remarkable cities.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788161954
Edition number: Main