Centuries ago, when books were rare, those who owned them would lend them to friends, who in turn would copy out passages they especially liked before returning the precious book to its owner. These anthologies came to be known as Commonplace Books, and modern writers as different as W. H. Auden and Alec Guinness have kept them as well, recording phrases or passages that struck them as wise or witty or quirky. The result is as much the self-portrait of a sensibility as it is a collection of miscellaneous delights. Renowned ...
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Centuries ago, when books were rare, those who owned them would lend them to friends, who in turn would copy out passages they especially liked before returning the precious book to its owner. These anthologies came to be known as Commonplace Books, and modern writers as different as W. H. Auden and Alec Guinness have kept them as well, recording phrases or passages that struck them as wise or witty or quirky. The result is as much the self-portrait of a sensibility as it is a collection of miscellaneous delights. Renowned poet J. D. McClatchy has been keeping such a book for three decades now. This selection from it offers a unique look into what strange facts, what turns of mind or phrase, what glorious feats of language and nature can attract the attention of a poet. The great and the obscure are gathered around the same table, exchanging remarkable opinions. Henry James is speaking of Venice: "The deposed, the defeated, the disenchanted, the wounded, or even only the bored, have seemed to find there something that no other place could give." At the other end of the table, Groucho Marx is playing drama critic: "I didn't like the play, but then I saw it under adverse circumstances--the curtain was up." Nietzsche and Flaubert, Dizzy Gillespie and Marianne Moore--dozens of unexpected and timeless aphorisms and anecdotes that pierce and provoke. Many of McClatchy's own observations about the art and prowess of writing are included as well. This is a book meant to be sipped, not gulped; meant to be read at leisure and pondered on at length.
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Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $6.46, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Counterpoint LLC.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $6.46, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Counterpoint LLC.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $6.61, good condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Counterpoint.
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Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Standard-sized.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $7.12, good condition, Sold by Friends Tucson rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Counterpoint LLC.
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Hardcover. Ex Library with usual markings, stamps and/or stickers. Good condition. Mylar cover on dust jacket, taped to book. Clean pages and tight binding. Until further notice, USPS Priority Mail only reliable option for Hawaii. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona. N24.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $9.14, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Catapult.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $11.22, very good condition, Sold by BooksRun rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Counterpoint.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $11.22, good condition, Sold by BooksRun rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Counterpoint.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: A Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $13.25, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2017 by Counterpoint LLC.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: A Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $14.44, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Catapult.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 320 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of Sweet Theft: a Poet's Commonplace Book to cart. $14.50, like new condition, Sold by Mom and Pop's Bookshop rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Wakefield, RI, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Counterpoint.
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As New in Fine jacket. 8vo NEW absolute Fresh tight clean bright strong jacket boards text No remainder mark or other. Tiny repaired tear top jacket edge hard to notice.