"Victor Hugo and the Visionary Novel transcends its title, in that
all of Hugo's writings--poetic, political, dramatic, critical,
public and private--are brought to bear on the novels, so that the
book gives a vast picture of Hugo's imagination and his thought on
all vital matters...There is far more to be learned about Hugo's
mind from this book than from any of the biographies I have read,
and it is, furthermore, exceptionally enjoyable reading.
Nothing short of brilliant. Solidly researched, very well written,
and full of original insights, it stands as a landmark in Hugo
criticism.
By all odds the most thorough and critically sophisticated book on
Hugo's fiction to appear in English, or perhaps in any
language...It is learned, literate, and witty, generous in its
appreciations, and an authentic pleasure to read.
Between Hugo's hell and redemption lies a broad canvas of symbolic
circumstance where Brombert maneuvers brilliantly, examining such
disparate themes as money, language, laughter, and showing how they
are braided together in the larger design.
"Victor Hugo and the Visionary Novel" transcends its title, in that
all of Hugo's writings--poetic, political, dramatic, critical,
public and private--are brought to bear on the novels, so that the
book gives a vast picture of Hugo's imagination and his thought on
all vital matters...There is far more to be learned about Hugo's
mind from this book than from any of the biographies I have read,
and it is, furthermore, exceptionally enjoyable reading.
Ask a Question About this Product More... |