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The Poetics of Space

Exploring the relationship between space and consciousness

Gaston Bachelard author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:30th Dec '14

Should be back in stock very soon

The Poetics of Space cover

This profound exploration of space and consciousness reveals how our environments shape our thoughts and dreams, making The Poetics of Space a timeless classic.

This influential work delves into the intimate relationship between our surroundings and our thoughts, exploring how spaces—both large and small—serve as vessels for our consciousness. In The Poetics of Space, Bachelard invites readers to reflect on various environments, from the coziness of a room to the mystery of an attic, suggesting that each space holds significance in shaping our dreams and memories. The author skillfully weaves together philosophy, art, and poetry, creating a tapestry of insights that resonate deeply with anyone who has ever pondered the meaning of their surroundings.

Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the book examines how different spaces evoke emotions and inspire creativity. Bachelard's exploration extends beyond mere architecture; he delves into the psychological implications of our environments, asserting that the places we inhabit influence our thoughts and experiences. From the comfort of a familiar chair to the allure of hidden corners, every aspect of our surroundings can spark a sense of wonder and reflection.

Accompanied by an introduction from philosopher Richard Kearney and a foreword by author Mark Z. Danielewski, The Poetics of Space remains a timeless exploration of how our homes and the spaces we occupy shape our inner lives. Since its first publication in 1958, it has captivated the minds of philosophers, architects, and readers alike, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on space and consciousness.

Praise for Gaston Bachelard:

"[Bachelard] is neither a self-confessed and tortured atheist like Satre, nor, like Chardin, a heretic combining a belief in God with a proficiency in modern science. But, within the French context, he is almost as important as they are because he has a pseudo-religious force, without taking a stand on religion. To define him as briefly as possible – he is a philosopher, with a professional training in the sciences, who devoted most of the second phase of his career to promoting that aspect of human nature which often seems most inimical to science: the poetic imagination ..."
– J.G. Weightman, The New York Times Review of Books

"[Bachelard] reminds me of skilled chess players who take the biggest pieces with pawns."
-Michel Foucault (trans.)

Praise for Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves:

"Any hope or fear that the experimental novel was an aberration of the twentieth century is dashed by the appearance of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves, the first major experimental novel of the new millennium. And it's a monster. Dazzling."
-Washington Post Book World

"An intricate, erudite, and deeply frightening book." - The Wall Street Journal

ISBN: 9780143107521

Dimensions: 197mm x 128mm x 20mm

Weight: 240g

288 pages