Devotion

Why I Write

Patti Smith

$28.95

Hardback

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English

Yale University
19 September 2017

Music; Autobiography: literary; Literary studies: general; Gender studies: women

Series: Why I Write

ABBEY’S BOOKSELLER PICK —— In an ideal world Patti Smith would release a new book every week, such is the pleasure of her work. Her unique voice, an endearing mix of humble poet and childlike wonder, never loses sight of the joy of life and all the seemingly small moments that make it so rich. Her passion and need for writing is infectious and the manner in which she discusses it, and in fact all art, is done with a moving reverence I feel it deserves. A wonderful and dear book. Siân McNabney

——

From the renowned artist and author Patti Smith, an inspired exploration of the nature of creative invention.

A work of creative brilliance may seem like magic - its source a mystery, its impact unexpectedly stirring. How does an artist accomplish such an achievement, connecting deeply with an audience never met? In this groundbreaking book, one of our culture’s beloved artists offers a detailed account of her own creative process, inspirations, and unexpected connections.

Patti Smith first presents an original and beautifully crafted tale of obsession - a young skater who lives for her art, a possessive collector who ruthlessly seeks his prize, a relationship forged of need both craven and exalted. She then takes us on a second journey, exploring the sources of her story. We travel through the South of France to Camus’s house, and visit the garden of the great publisher Gallimard where the ghosts of Mishima, Nabokov, and Genet mingle. Smith tracks down Simone Weil’s grave in a lonely cemetery, hours from London, and winds through the nameless Paris streets of Patrick Modiano’s novels. Whether writing in a café or a train, Smith generously opens her notebooks and lets us glimpse the alchemy of her art and craft in this arresting and original book on writing.

The Why I Write series is based on the Windham-Campbell Lectures, delivered annually to commemorate the awarding of the Donald Windham-Sandy M. Campbell Literature Prizes at Yale University.

By: Patti Smith
Imprint: Yale University
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 178mm, Width: 121mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 200g
ISBN: 9780300218626
ISBN 10: 0300218621
Series: Why I Write
Pages: 112
Publication Date: 19 September 2017
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Patti Smith is a writer, performer, and visual artist. Her memoir Just Kids received a National Book Award, and her recent book M Train is a critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller. Smith was awarded the prestigious title of Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres by the French Republic. Her seminal album Horses has been hailed as one of the top 100 albums of all time, and in 2007 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Smith lives in New York City.

Reviews for Devotion: Why I Write

Devotion is short enough to devour at one enjoyable sitting and thought-provoking enough to deserve re-reading . . . It's a privilege to spend any time with Patti Smith, however brief. -Suzi Feay, Financial Times A triptych of compact, heartfelt essays on discovery, solitude and writing. -Darragh McManus, Irish Independent