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Story of the Eye

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( 24,662 ratings, 2,971 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille is a surreal exploration of desire and obsession. The narrative revolves around a young couple engaged in a series of increasingly wild and transgressive sexual adventures. As the story unfolds, it challenges conventional moral boundaries, delving into themes of erotica and existential curiosity, all depicted through vivid and visceral imagery.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3600

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this provocative and surreal exploration of eroticism and mystery, which appeals to those intrigued by philosophical themes intertwined with a boundary-pushing narrative. This work captures the imagination of readers who appreciate avant-garde fiction that challenges societal norms and delves deeply into the complexity of desire.

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Bataille's first novel: a legendary shocker that uncovers the dark side of the erotic by means of forbidden obsessive fantasies of excess and sexual extremes.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1928, Georges Bataille published this first novel under a pseudonym, a legendary shocker that uncovers the dark side of the erotic by means of forbidden obsessive fantasies of excess and sexual extremes. A classic of pornographic literature, Story of the Eye finds the parallels in Sade and Nietzsche and in the investigations of contemporary psychology; it also forecasts Bataille's own theories of ecstasy, death, and transgression which he developed in later work.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille is frequently praised for its audacious exploration of eroticism and the surreal. Many reviewers highlight its provocative blend of sexuality, taboo, and philosophical insight, noting its power to shock while also providing a thoughtful commentary on human desire. The narrative's surreal quality and Bataille's unique prose style garner both admiration and intrigue.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780872862098

Publisher: City Lights Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 January 2001

Country: United States

Imprint: City Lights Books

Illustration: Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Translated by Dovid Bergelson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 7.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 141g

Pages: 103

About the Author

Georges Bataille was born in Billom, France, in 1897. He was a librarian by profession. Also a philosopher, novelist, and critic he was founder of the College of Sociology. Bataille died in 1962.

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