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Inspirations
Inspirations
Nov 21, 2024 7:26 AM

Author:Paulo Coelho

Inspirations

'Anthology' comes from the Greek word that stands for garlands - a bouquet of flowers. An anthology then, should be a sort of reminder of something else, a small token of something much larger. In the case of flowers, they bring with their fragrance and colorfulness the reminder of the fields, of a season. Coelho's anthology, therefore, is not only a collection of texts or poems, but a gift, something arranged according to his sensitivities, to give to others. The selection of books presented in this volume have been chosen as if from a vast field of flowers, stretching infinitely into time's horizon. Coelho's selection is ordered in to the four elements, symbolizing both our world on all its directions, and the way we dwell in this world, the way we say it. In 'Earth' we find writers as diverse as Oscar Wilde and D H Lawrence; in 'Air' Nelson Mandela and Gabriel Garcia Marques; in 'Fire' Rumi and Mary Shelley; in 'Water' Hans Christian Anderson and Machiavelli.

Reviews

This is a unique, beautifully edited book: an essential addition to the library of any Russophile

—— Spectator

Evoking the realm 'across thrice nine lands', [this book offers] us a richly imagined perspective on our own world

—— The Times Literary Supplement

This creatively compiled selection…is imbued with love to touch those important to us.

—— Kerry Fowler , Sainsbury’s Magazine

Magnificent ... Terry's introduction pays witty homage to Oulipians' obsession with order, for it offers an A-Z guide to the movement's major writers and formulae.

—— Mark Ford , Times Literary Supplement

Philip Terry's collection is packed with fabulous, wide-ranging work thatdisplays the full ingenuity, brio and originality of Oulipian ideals in action. An exhilarating feat of in-depth reading, and translating, it takes its place as the definitive anthology in English for decades to come.

—— Marina Warner

Philip Terry's rich anthology of Oulipo writings from Rabelais to Perec [is] a salutary reminder that laughter and linguistic dexterity are as much part of what it means to be human as violence and greed.

—— Gabriel Josipovici , Times Literary Supplement

A wonderful anthology.

—— Michèle Métail

Indispensible, informative and playful ... no two pages are alike, and every page is quite unlike anything else you've ever read.

—— Andy Brown , Stride Magazine

The greatest comic writer ever

—— Douglas Adams

When it comes to humour, there is only one writer who can slay you with a mere flip of the pen. This, of course, is P.G. Wodehouse

—— Guardian

Superlative.

—— Jessie Burton, 'Best Books of 2016' , Observer

Could not be more timely.

—— Louise Daughty, 'Best Books of 2016' , Observer

The Good Immigrant is that rarest of beasts, a truly necessary book.

—— Jonathan Coe, 'Best Books of 2016' , Observer

I was deeply affected by The Good Immigrant, a vital and often bitingly funny series of personal essays

—— James Graham, 'Best Books of 2016' , Observer

Should become required reading for a new UK citizenship test – one to be taken by everyone who was born here, that is.

—— Books of the Year , Times Higher Education

A fascinating read

—— BBC Breakfast

I was expecting something serious, even upsetting. The Good Immigrant is both at times, but the 21 essays are also engrossing, human and hilarious.

—— Best Books for Christmas , i

Sticks two fingers up at a discriminatory publishing industry.

—— New Statesman

The essays, in turns witty, uncomfortable and inspiring, would make for great reading at any time, but were especially welcome this year.

—— Books of the Year , The Pool

Existentially challenging to the status quo. It could not be more timely.

—— Readers' Books of 2016 , Guardian

What a phenomenal book: timely, poignant and insightful. It deserves to be read as widely as possible.

—— Malorie Blackman

Warm, funny and often moving. A delight.

—— Shappi Khorsandi

Quite simply a wonderful antidote to the tired cliches.

—— Fatima Manji, Channel 4 News

A bold, beautiful and urgent book that should be read widely in these politically and racially charged times. It opened my eyes so much, and, in my opinion, is the most exciting publication of 2016.

—— Holly Muller , Big Issue

I am stupidly grateful for this book. It opened my eyes to my own experience and gave me words for feelings I had known but never acknowledged. I carry it with me whenever I travel, to remind me that the world is good. Buy this book, carry it with you everywhere, give it to everyone you know. We need it now more than ever.

—— Emmy the Great

Here are a bunch of brave writers actually doing something about representation … an important book.

—— Sathnam Sanghera

Incisive, funny, searingly honest … it contains work that should be read by all.

—— DJ Nihal

Brilliant, unclichéd, unique. A book of our time, which everyone must read.

—— Shazia Mirza

I want everyone to read this book. I found myself nodding along, feeling the pain, hilarity and anger.

—— Anita Rani

The Good Immigrant's strength not only comes in its numbers, but through the uniqueness of each essay inside, ranging from Coco Khan’s look at sexuality and fetishisation, through to Riz MC’s retelling of his typical treatment in airport security.

—— Complex

A stunning collection of original voices, challenging how we see race and difference.

—— Mishal Husain

I knew I'd be interested in this book. I didn't realise I'd be so moved. At a time when British identity is being claimed as the exclusive preserve of people who wish immigration had stopped with Hengist and Horsa, it does the heart good to be reminded of how many of us there are, and how deeply woven we are into the fabric of our country. It's a book that will make a lot of young Britons feel more powerful and less alone. Each essay is like another new friend standing up and saying to the reader, 'I see you.'

—— Hari Kunzru
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