[Item #4743] On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry. William Gass.
On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry
On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry
On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry
On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry

On Being Blue: A Philosophical Inquiry

ISBN: 0879231831
Boston, MA: David R. Godine, 1975. Limited First Trade Edition. Hardcover. "Blue as color and state of mind, 'blue' as word, Blue as Platonic idea- these are the layers of blue that William Gass explores and ponders and celebrates in this brilliant book. Blue is a famously erotic hue, and Gass opens with an examination of the depiction of sex in literature. He argues that the failure of most writers who have sought to re-create sex in poetry and fiction stems from their attempt to make the word flesh, rather than to make the flesh word. On Being Blue is in itself a demonstration of the love of words, of the means by which the writer who observes the world can create a new world through them." (from front flap) A slim but profound volume of musings on blue- the color, the word, their many shades & meanings- by William Gass (1924-2017), the great American author & academician. Gass weaves many quotes & passages from a wide selection of world literature into his deeply insightful narrative. A simple & stately production, hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, from a trade edition of 3000 copies (a deluxe edition of 225 signed & numbered copies was also produced) per colophon. A rare & most rewarding collectible from a master of both fiction & critical, philosophical non-fiction. See also esp. our item No.s 2829, 4448 & 4694. Book in fine condition with mild rubbing, fading & scratching to (appropriately) blue-cloth front, back covers & spine; mild-to-moderate dulling & loss of gilt lettering on spine; mild rubbing & spotting to upper edge of text block. Interior very fine with only sticker-removal residue at small rectangular area near upper right corner of blank brown front endpaper; otherwise virtually mint. Dust jacket fine with very slight rubbing, faint scratching to front, back covers & spine; light wear & some tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same & flaps; mild fading of light brown-color background at/ near spine. Fine / Fine. [Item #4743]

Price: $80.00