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Watermark (FSG Classics),Used
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About the AuthorJoseph Brodsky (19401996) came to the United States in 1972, an involuntary exile from the Soviet Union. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1987 and served as Poet Laureate of the United States in 1991 and 1992.Product DescriptionIn this brief, intense, gemlike book, equal parts extended autobiographical essay and prose poem, Joseph Brodsky turns his eye to the seductive and enigmatic city of Venice. A mosaic of fortyeight short chapterseach recalling a specific episode from one of his many visits there (Brodsky spent his winters in Venice for nearly twenty years)Watermark associatively and brilliantly evokes one city's architectural and atmospheric character.Brodsky writes in Watermark that water stores our reflections for when we are long gone. This reissued edition of one of Brodskys most important titles, on the occasion of the late Nobel laureates eightieth birthday, allows the reader to visit the canals of Brodskys Venice and rediscover the reflection of the writer himself.ReviewWe read Watermark enraptured by its gallant attempt to distill a precious meaning from life's experienceto make a spot on a globe a window into universal circumstance, and to fashion of one's personal chronic tourism a crystal whose facets reflect an entire life, with exile and ill health glinting at the edges of planes whose direct glare is sheer beauty. John Updike, The New YorkerPraising Venice and its architecture as a triumph of the visual, the Nobel laureate uses his visits there as a touchstone to meditate on life's unpredictability, and on the appetite for beauty, death, myth, and modern art . . . In his wayward forays amid canals, streets, and cathedrals barnacled with saints, the eternal Venice shimmers through the fog, battered yet resplendent. Publishers WeeklyBrodsky's description of his 'version of Paradise' has all the vividness and associative brilliance of a lyric poem . . . Watermark is a gracefully idiosyncratic work, one that obliquely mingles the author's own selfportrait with that of 'this Penelope of a city, weaving her patterns by day and undoing them by night, with no Ulysses in sight. Only the sea.' James Marcus, The New York Times Book Review[This is a] short proseexercise by Nobelist Brodsky about Venice, his many wintertime trips there, and [the city's] enchantment and ironies and visual splendors. Brodsky has piquant ideas about space and time (see his Less Than One) that lend interesting angles to his Veniceforvisitors: ideas about water, light, and brick ('an alternative order of flesh, not raw of course, but scarlet and made up of small, identical cells. Yet another of the species' selfportraits at the elemental level, be it a wall or a chimney'). Kirkus Reviews
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: How many pages does Watermark by Joseph Brodsky have? A: This book has one hundred forty-four pages. It offers a concise yet profound exploration of Venice through Brodsky's reflections.
- Q: What is the binding type of Watermark? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes the book lightweight and portable for readers.
- Q: What are the dimensions of Watermark? A: The dimensions are five point three two inches in length, zero point three six inches in width, and eight point three five inches in height. This compact size makes it easy to handle and store.
- Q: How should I read Watermark? A: You can read Watermark at your own pace. Its short chapters make it ideal for quick reading sessions or leisurely exploration.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, Watermark is suitable for all ages. Its themes and reflections on Venice are accessible to a broad audience.
- Q: What genre does Watermark belong to? A: Watermark is a blend of autobiographical essay and prose poetry. This unique format enriches the reading experience.
- Q: How do I best store Watermark? A: Store Watermark in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the quality of the paperback binding.
- Q: Can I clean the pages of Watermark? A: No, it's not advisable to clean the pages. Instead, handle the book carefully to keep it in good condition.
- Q: How long will Watermark last if taken care of? A: With proper care, Watermark can last for many years. Storing it correctly will help maintain its physical integrity.
- Q: Is Watermark a good choice for a book club? A: Yes, Watermark is an excellent choice for book clubs. Its rich themes and short chapters encourage discussion and reflection.
- Q: How does Watermark compare to other works by Joseph Brodsky? A: Watermark is distinct for its focus on Venice. Unlike his other works, it combines personal reflection with vivid imagery of the city.
- Q: Should I read Watermark before other books by Brodsky? A: It's not necessary to read Watermark first, but its autobiographical nature provides valuable context for understanding Brodsky's life.
- Q: What if my copy of Watermark arrives damaged? A: If your copy arrives damaged, contact the seller for a replacement or return. Most sellers have a return policy for damaged goods.
- Q: Is there a warranty for Watermark? A: Typically, there is no warranty for books like Watermark. However, check with the seller for their specific return policies.
- Q: What do I do if I can't find Watermark? A: If you can't find Watermark, try searching online or checking local bookstores. It may also be available through libraries.