Title
The Importance of Being Iceland: Travel Essays in Art (Semiotext(e) / Active Agents),Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
A poet and postpunk heroine writes on subjects ranging from Bjrk to Robert Smithson, from traveling in Iceland to walking in Thoreau's footsteps on Cape CodPoet and postpunk heroine Eileen Myles has always operated in the art, writing, and queer performance scenes as a kind of observant flaneur. Like Baudelaire's gentleman stroller, Myles travels the citywandering on garbagestrewn New York streets in the heat of summer, drifting though the antiseptic malls of La Jolla, and riding in the van with Sister Spitseeing it with a poet's eye for detail and with the consciousness that writing about art and culture has always been a social gesture. Culled by the poet from twenty years of art writing, the essays in The Importance of Being Iceland make a lush document of herand ourlives in these contemporary crowds. Framed by Myles's account of her travels in Iceland, these essays posit inbetweenness as the most vital position from which to perceive culture as a whole, and a fluidity in national identity as the best model for writing and thinking about art and culture. The essays include fresh takes on Thoreau's Cape Cod walk, working class speech, James Schulyer and Bjrk, queer Russia and Robert Smithson; howtos on writing an avantgarde poem and driving a battered Japanese car that resembles a menopausal body; and opinions on such widely ranging subjects as filmmaker Sadie Benning, actor Daniel DayLewis, Ted Berrigan's Sonnets, and flossing.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Importance of Being Iceland'? A: The main theme revolves around the exploration of art and culture through Eileen Myles's personal experiences and observations, particularly highlighting the fluidity of national identity and the importance of inbetweenness.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Eileen Myles, a poet and post-punk figure known for her contributions to art writing and queer performance.
- Q: What type of book is 'The Importance of Being Iceland'? A: This book is a collection of travel essays that intersect with art criticism, offering unique perspectives on various cultural topics.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 368 pages.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as a used book in good condition.
- Q: Is 'The Importance of Being Iceland' available in different formats? A: This edition is available in paperback format.
- Q: When was the book published? A: The book was published on June 5, 2009.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in the essays? A: Key topics include reflections on Björk, Robert Smithson, Thoreau's Cape Cod walk, and various cultural critiques, as well as practical insights into writing and art.
- Q: What makes this book significant in contemporary literature? A: Its significance lies in Eileen Myles's distinctive voice and perspective, offering a blend of personal narrative and cultural critique that resonates with themes of identity and art.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers interested in art criticism? A: Yes, this book is particularly suitable for readers interested in art criticism, travel writing, and contemporary cultural discourse.