Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing

By Hélène Cixous and Susan Sellers

Book Overview

Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing is a poetic, insightful, and ultimately moving exploration of 'the strange science of writing.' In a magnetic, irresistible narrative, Cixous reflects on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for 'great' writing: The School of the Dead--the notion that something or someone must die in order for good writing to be born; The School of Dreams--the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration and output; and The School of Roots--the importance of depth in the 'nether realms' in all aspects of writing.

Cixous's love of language and passion for the written word is evident on every page. Her emotive style draws heavily on the writers she most admires: the Brazilian novelist Clarice Lispector, the Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, the Austrian novelists Ingeborg Bachmann and Thomas Bernhard, Dostoyevsky and, most of all, Kafka.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231076592
• ISBN13: 9780231076593
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Perfect!

Other's have said much about this book so I will keep my review short. I've given this book to many friends of mine and explained that it is the first book I've read on writing that merits a reread. It is without catagory or direct instruction. It speaks on the art of writing, as well as the craft. Most importantly, it speaks of sacrifice. Frankly, I am tired of reading about or reading books from authors who give nothing of themselves in their art. Lispector, Kafka - where have all the dusty and tattered souls gone.