On a crowded bus at midday, Raymond Queneau observes one man accusing another of jostling him deliberately. When a seat is vacated, the first man appropriates it. Later, in another part of town, Queneau sees the man being advised by a friend to sew another button on his overcoat. Exercises in Style retells this unexceptional tale ninety-nine times, employing the sonnet and the alexandrine, “Ze Frrench” and “Cockney.” An “Abusive” chapter heartily deplores the events; “Opera English” lends them grandeur. In 1947, when Exercises in Style first appeared in French, it led to Queneau’s election to the highly prestigious Académie des Goncourt. He once told Barbara Wright that of all of his books, this was the one he most wished to see translated. He rendered her his “heartiest congratulations,” adding: “I have always thought that nothing is untranslatable. Here is new proof. And it is accomplished with all the intended humor. It has not only linguistic knowledge and ingenuity, it also has that.”
You May Also like
The Magic Bunny Board Book
The Very Brave Lion Board Book
The Fearless Octopus Board Book
Elephants Can’t Fly Board Book
Questions? Compliments? Dinner invitations?
Please get in touch on our contact page and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
During Walton St. construction if you require curbside pickup or local home delivery, leave a message here or call (905) 885 - 9682.