The Thief's Journal by Jean Genet

The Thief's Journal by Jean Genet

"The most beautiful book that Genet has written." --Jean-Paul Sartre

First published in France in 1949, The Thief's Journal is Jean Genet's iconic work of autobiographical fiction. This new edition brings his legendary genius to future generations of readers, with an introduction by Genet's great admirer, Patti Smith.

From a prison cell, the journal's narrator recounts his travels across Europe in the 1930s--as a vagabond, pickpocket, and occasional prostitute--in pursuit of spiritual fulfilment through erotic trysts and evil deeds. Worshipping his own holy trinity of homosexuality, theft, and betrayal, he conducts every burglary, and each sexual encounter, with the elaborate, reverent ritual of a religious ceremony. Dressed in rags and stealing for his survival, he must evade the authorities for as long as possible.

A sensuous and philosophical reverie on freedom within confinement, the heroism of the outlaw, and deception as the ultimate act of devotion, The Thief's Journal exemplifies the exquisitely lyrical combination of fact and fiction that made Genet a major figure in world literature.

Jean Genet (1910-1986), poet, novelist, playwright, and political essayist, was one of the most significant French writers of the twentieth century. His work, much of it considered scandalous when it first appeared, is now placed among the classics of modern literature and has been translated and performed throughout the world.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780802128270
ISBN 10	0802128270
Title	The Thief's Journal
Author	Jean Genet
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Black Cat
Year published	2018-08-21
Number of pages	272
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.