Disease—real or imagined, physical or mental—is a common theme in Western literature and is often a symbol of modern alienation. In Literary Diseases, a comprehensive analysis of the metaphorical and symbolic force of disease in modern Italian literature, Gian-Paolo Biasin expands the geography of the discussion of this important theme. Using as a backdrop the perspective of European experiences of the previous hundred years, Biasin analyzes the theme of disease as a reflection of certain sociological and historical phenomena in modern European novels, as a metaphor for the world visions of selected Italian novelists, and especially as a vehicle for understanding the nature and function of fiction itself.
The core of Biasin’s study is found in his discussion of the works of four major Italian writers. In his criticism of the novels of Giovanni Verga, who stood at the center of many complex developments in the nineteenth century, he examines the antecedents of modern Italian prose. He then scrutinizes the works of Italo Svevo and Luigi Pirandello, who together inaugurated the modern novel in Italy. Of particular interest is his exploration of their critical use of psychoanalysis and madness climaxed by apocalyptic visions. He then discusses the prose of Carlo Emilio Gadda, which epitomizes the problems of the avant-garde in its experimentalism and expressionism.
Biasin utilizes a broad spectrum of critical approaches—from sociology, psychoanalysis, and different trends in modern French, American, and Italian literary criticism—in shaping his own methodology, which is a thematic and structural symbolism. He concludes that disease in literature should be considered as a metaphor for writing (écriture) and as a cognitive instrument that calls into question the anthropocentric values of Western culture. The book, with its textual comparisons and unusual supporting examples, constitutes a significant methodological contribution as well as a major survey of modern Italian prose, and will allow the reader to see traditional landmarks in European fiction in a new light.
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Book Description Condition: Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP94862333
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fair. Dust Jacket Included. Literary Diseases: Theme and Metaphor in the Italian Novel, Biasin, Gian-Paolo, U Texas Press, 1975, 178p, xlib, hc w/dj, w/ usual stamps/markings/librarian/borrower abuse--5.50. Seller Inventory # ABE-1010548058
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 228424
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Hi. Welcome to our small, family-owned bookstore. Copyright 1975 by the author, Gian-Paolo Biasin. Published by the University of Texas Press. Hardcover (red, with dark gilt lettering on the spine) with blue pictured dust jacket. Very Good condition (the jacket has three of four small tears and chips; the book has tiny bits of wear at the lower corners and on the corners of the spine. Previous owner's name on the flyleaf. However, the tightness of the binding suggests this copy has not been read.178 pages. ISBN 0292746148. Packaged using bubble wrap and a sturdy cardboard box. Tracking number provided for no extra cost. Thanks for checking out this book from our small town brick-and-mortar and supporting a small business. Seller Inventory # RLC11301801666
Book Description Condition: Good. Ex library hardback, no DJ., usual stamps/markings. In good condition throughout. Ready for immediate despatch from UK. 12C*. Seller Inventory # SFL7-17B-01
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. An Ex-Library Hardback with dust jacket, officially withdrawn, usual library stamps and markings. A good, very clean copy. Ready for immediate despatch from Uk. 29C*. Seller Inventory # FBA-14637