Book launch - Primordial Modernism: Animals, Ideas, Transition (1927–38)
23 October 17:00
Rothermere American Institute, 1a South Parks Road, OX1 3UB
Cathryn Setz RAI Associate Visiting Research Fellow
Introduction by Dr Rebecca Beasley
“This adventurous study focuses on experimental animal writing in the major interwar journal transition (1927–1938), which contains a striking recurrence of metaphors around the most basic forms of life. Amoebas, fish, lizards, birds – some of the ‘lowest’ and ‘oldest’ creatures on earth often emerge at the very places authors seek expressions for the ‘newest’ and the ‘highest’ in art. Discussing works by James Joyce, Henry Miller, Gottfried Benn, Eugene Jolas, Kay Boyle, Bryher, Paul Éluard and more, Cathryn Setz investigates this paradox and provides a new understanding of transition’s contribution to twentieth-century periodical culture.”
Light refreshments and a vegan buffet will be provided.