Paul Valéry Libri

Valery's dialogues are his most important works of imagination in prose. Many consider the prose masterpieces Eupalinos and Dance and the Soul as the fullest and most characteristic expression of his genius. The dialogue form, "the most supple of the forms of expression, " was natural to Valery. "I found I was talking to myself in two voices, and began to write accordingly, " he said. His imagination and his philosophical mind found in his major dialogues the common ground they were always seeking. In the present volume, all the formal imaginary dialogues are brought together for the first time.

The collection features comprehensive reflections on poetry from a highly regarded contemporary poet known for his meticulous examination of the craft. It encompasses significant meditations on both the theory and practice of poetry, offering valuable insights into the poet's artistic process and philosophy. This work serves as a profound resource for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of poetic expression.

This edition of new translations brings together the most extensive collection of Paul Valéry's verse, from the adolescent years marked by mysticism, Mallarmé, and the Symbolist movement, to the three great works of maturity (The Young Fate, Album of Early Verse, and Charms) and later verse.

Through a mock Platonic dialogue, Paul Valéry explores the intricate relationships between body and mind, movement and thought, and dance and philosophy. Set in a framework featuring Socrates, Phaedrus, and Eryximachus, the work delves into the philosophical implications of dance as the characters observe and reflect on the dancers. This new translation brings to light Valéry's profound inquiries into dualism and the nature of artistic expression.

The novel explores the concept of a mind that is detached from emotional sensibility through the character of Monsieur Teste, who embodies both the author's philosophical inquiries and the traits of an ordinary fictional character. Additionally, the volume features "Snapshots of Monsieur Teste," which includes excerpts from Valâery's personal notebooks, providing deeper insight into his thoughts and creative process.

In den drei berühmten Essays zu Leonardo da Vinci, die sowohl den Beginn als auch einen Höhepunkt von Valérys Schaffen markieren (1894, 1919 und 1929), erlebt der Leser die Anverwandlung dieses universalen Geistes und unübertroffenen Genies der Renaissance wie der Moderne; Leonardo, der symbolische und konstruktiv-methodische Geist, wird zum Modell der Überschreitung und wechselseitigen Durchdringung von Kunst und Wissenschaft, zum interdisziplinären Geist par excellence , der wie Valéry jeden kunsttheoretischen Irrationalismus (»Inspiration«, »Genie« etc.) verabscheut.