Surreal Beckett situates Beckett‘s writings within the context of James Joyce and Surrealism, distinguishing ways in which Beckett forged his own unique path, sometimes in accord with, sometimes at odds with, these two powerful predecessors. Beckett was so deeply enmeshed in Joyce’s circle during his early Paris days (1928 - late 1930s) that James Knowlson dubbed them his "Joyce years." But Surrealism and Surrealists rivaled Joyce for Beckett’s early and continuing attention, if not affection, so that Raymond Federman called 1929-45 Beckett’s "surrealist period."
From Surrealism to Less-Exquisite Cadavers - Leo Malet and the Evolution of the French Roman Noir
Les nouveaux mystères de Paris (1954-1959), Léo Malet’s fifteen-novel detective series inspired by Eugène Sue’s nineteenth-century feuilleton, almost achieved the goal of setting a mystery in each of the twenty Parisian arrondissements, with Nestor Burma at the center of the action. In Burma, the “détective de choc” first introduced in 1943’s 120 rue de la gare, Malet, considered the “father” of the French roman noir, creates a cultural hybrid, bringing literary references and surrealist techniques to a criminal milieu.
Surrealism and Architecture examines a long overlooked topic: the relationship of surrealist thought to architectural theory and practice. This is a historically informed examination of architecture's perceived absence in surrealist thought, surrealist tendencies in the theories and projects of modern architecture and the place of surrealist thought in contemporary design methods and theories. This book represents the most current insights into the historical and contemporary relationships of surrealism in the thought and practice of modern architecture.
The avant-garde movements of Dada and Surrealism continue to have a huge influence on cultural practice, especially in contemporary art, with its obsession with sexuality, fetishism, and shock tactics. In this new treatment of the subject, Hopkins focuses on the many debates surrounding these movements: the Marquis de Sade's Surrealist deification, issues of quality (How good is Dali?), the idea of the 'readymade', attitudes towards the city, the impact of Freud, attitudes to women, fetishism, and primitivism.
'I so enjoyed reading this book! Its arguments about surrealism and film are lucid and persuasive and presented with compelling clarity. I couldn't put it down.' Mary Ann Caws, author of Surrealism: themes and movements and Surrealist Painters and Poets: an anthology 'There is nothing that would compel one to not recommend this intelligent and fiercely radical study of Surrealism and cinema, which ranges further in its scope, is more up-to-date, and is more thorough in its investigation than any other.' Manticore: Surrealist Communication 'Richardson begins where most other commentators leave off.'
