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The Trip to Echo Spring
On Writers and Drinking
Series: Canons
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Check link for latest rating. ( 3,576 ratings, 546 reviews)
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The Trip to Echo Spring
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See moreOlivia Laing's captivating exploration of alcoholism and literature; 'beguiling, beautifully written . . . brilliant and original' - Sunday Times
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Description
Why did numerous celebrated authors become entwined with the grip of alcoholism? In The Trip to Echo Spring, Olivia Laing weaves an evocative journey across America, probing the intricate interplay between creativity and alcohol through the intertwined lives and works of six literary giants: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, John Berryman, John Cheever, and Raymond Carver.
Laing embarks on a captivating exploration, tracing her steps from Hemingwayβs sun-drenched Key West to Williamsβs sultry New Orleans. Along the way, she constructs an evocative topographical map of alcoholism's impact on their brilliance and personal struggles. Olivia Laing delves deeply into their biographies, stripping away the tangled mythology to reveal the harrowing toll taken by their creative pursuits.
The Trip to Echo Spring is not simply a biography of addiction but a profound meditation on the thirst for artistic expression and the shadows that accompanied their literary genius. Laing's narrative vividly portrays how these six extraordinary men navigated the turbulent waters of fame, existential despair, and relentless self-doubt with a bottle often clutched in their grasp.
The book casts a tender yet incisive light on these literary figures, examining how their battles with alcoholism influenced their art, relationships, and ultimately, their lives. Through her eloquent prose and penetrating insight, Laing charts a path through a landscape of brilliance marred by suffering, offering readers a glimpse into the human cost of genius.
This compelling read is a meticulous blend of biography, literary criticism, and travelogue, revealing the complex and often painful realities behind the myth of the drinks-soaked writer. Itβs an essential exploration for anyone fascinated by the interplay between creativity and addiction, and for those who wish to understand the deeper currents that have shaped some of the greatest works of 20th-century literature.
The Trip to Echo Spring is a testament to Olivia Laing's profound empathy and skilful narrative ability, providing a moving and thought-provoking look at the lives of these remarkable yet troubled men.
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Why did numerous celebrated authors become entwined with the grip of alcoholism? In The Trip to Echo Spring, Olivia Laing weaves an evocative journey across America, probing the intricate interplay between creativity and alcohol through the intertwined lives and works of six literary giants: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, John Berryman, John Cheever, and Raymond Carver. Laing embarks...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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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?
The Trip to Echo Spring by Olivia Laing is highly praised for its insight, compassion, and beauty. Critics describe it as haunting, moving, and gorgeously written, with a unique voice and mood. It is noted for being both brave and original, showcasing Laing's skills as a brilliant wordsmith.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781786891600
Publisher: Canongate Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 October 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Canongate Canons
Edition: Main - Canons Edition
Illustration: Integrated black and white photos.
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 258g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Olivia Laing is a widely acclaimed writer and critic. Her work appears in numerous publications, including the Guardian, Observer, New Statesman, Frieze and New York Times. She's a Yaddo and MacDowell Fellow and was 2014 Eccles Writer in Residence at the British Library. Her first book, To the River, was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize and the Dolman Travel Book of the Year. The Trip to Echo Spring was shortlisted for the 2013 Costa Biography Award and the 2014 Gordon Burn Prize. Her third book, The Lonely City, was shortlisted for the 2016 Gordon Burn Prize. She lives in Cambridge.
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