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A Calm Fire: and Other Travel Writings (The Swiss List) (Hardcover)

A Calm Fire: and Other Travel Writings (The Swiss List) Cover Image
By Philippe Jaccottet, John Taylor (Translated by)
$27.50
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Description


In these times of heartbreaking violence, clashing religions, and a seemingly never-ending narrative of dichotomy between East and West, wonder at the religion and culture of the Middle East can be in short supply. However, the lyrical and philosophical travel writing in Swiss poet Philippe Jaccottet’s Calm Fire rekindles it, lifting us out of our ordinary locales and stories of violent conflict in the Middle East. Jaccottet’s poetic descriptions explore the rich cultural worlds of Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Israel, giving us uncommon glimpses into countries so often associated with turmoil, death and destruction. Expressing a poet’s admiration for the ecstasies of faith and a philosopher’s skepticism of these seemingly transformative feelings, Jaccottet dives deep into the religious cultures of the places he visits.

Ultimately, whether in his native Swiss Alps or among the cedars of Lebanon, the same question pervades Philippe Jaccottet’s work: How should we live? More than a simple palliative to a depressing news cycle, Calm Fire captures a true sense of place by celebrating and pondering ways of life through the immersive experience of travel.

About the Author


Born in Switzerland and a long-time resident of France, Philippe Jaccottet (1925–2021)  is a celebrated European poet. In 2014, Jaccottet’s collected writings were published in Gallimard’s prestigious Pléiade series. He has been awarded several European literary prizes, including the Grand Prix Suisse de littérature, the highest Swiss literary distinction.

John Taylor has translated several French writers and poets into English. He is the author of several books, including the three-volume essay collection Paths to Contemporary French Literature, as well as The Apocalypse Tapestries and If Night Is Falling.

Praise For…


"A highly erudite mêlée of memoir, meditation and criticism."
— Times Literary Supplement

Product Details
ISBN: 9780857425980
ISBN-10: 0857425986
Publisher: Seagull Books
Publication Date: September 15th, 2019
Pages: 312
Language: English
Series: The Swiss List