The City of Words by Alberto Manguel

The City of Words by Alberto Manguel

What is the role of the storyteller in 21st Century society? Do stories possess the power to change the world we live in? In this most original and stimulating study Alberto Manguel, award winning author of "A History of Reading", sets out to investigate the ways in which stories can lend an identity to a whole society. From "Gilgamesh" to the Bible, from "Don Quixote" to "The Fast Runner", Manguel explores how books can hold the secret to what binds us together. His thesis is argued here in an engrossing and highly personal book that encompasses narratives of autobiography, mythology, history and theology. He also raises concerns that technological developments - the internet, for one - may well fatally undermine the publishing industry and threaten the survival of the individual around whom the entire literary industry was originally constructed: the beleaguered author. This book is also about the art of reading, at a time when Manguel argues that it is still possible for stories to change us and the world we live in.

It is a work of staggering scope and erudition, packed with interesting information and arguments, and often beautifully written William Skidelsky, The Spectator [Manguel's] style is one of great warmth and allusiveness, ranging with ease across epochs and continents of literature' Steven Poole, The Guardian

Alberto Manguel was born in Buenos Aires but moved to Toronto early on in his life. He now lives in France. He is the author of some hugely successful books including A Dictionary of Imaginary Places and A History of Reading. He is a Guggenheim Fellow.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781441163707
ISBN 10	1441163700
Title	The City of Words
Author	Alberto Manguel
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Continuum Publishing Corporation
Year published	2009-11-28
Number of pages	192
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.