Find a copy in the library
Finding libraries that hold this item...
Details
| Document Type: | Book |
|---|---|
| All Authors / Contributors: |
Peter Turchi |
| ISBN: | 9781595341938 1595341935 |
| OCLC Number: | 858602624 |
| Description: | 244 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 22 cm |
| Contents: | The contemplation of recurring patterns -- 1. Directions for attaining knowledge of all dark things -- 2. How, from such wreckage, we evolve the eventual effect -- 3. Seven clever pieces -- 4. The treasure hunter's dilemma -- 5. The line, the pyramid, and the labyrinth -- 6. The pleasures of difficulty -- Sources and solutions. |
| Responsibility: | Peter Turchi. |
Abstract:
""Turchi explores how every piece of writing is a kind of puzzle, offers tangrams as a model for presenting complex characters; suggests labyrinths as an alternative to the narrative line, and argues that readers and writers, like puzzle solvers, not only tolerate but find pleasure in difficulty"--Provided by publisher"--
Reviews
Publisher Synopsis
"Turchi invites us to think about books as mysteries unfolding in time, giving us clues that we piece together." --Washington Post "One of the country's foremost thinkers on the art of writing...Turchi argues that writers are like magicians who aim to lead us to a state of wonder." --Houston Chronicle "Although Turchi's knack for drawing connections can seem like a sleight of hand in itself, his writing is consistently engaging, lively, and thought provoking. The interactive element is also a delight, as there are actual puzzles scattered throughout (answers are provided in the back) to demonstrate the challenges and rewards offered by puzzles--and by good writing. And though Turchi's volume seems most tailored to writers, readers and puzzle lovers should find much of value as well."--Publishers Weekly "Altogether stimulating."--Brain Pickings "Full of lush illustrations, embedded puzzles, and notes on Harry Houdini, Alison Bechdel, tangrams, labyrinths, and sudoku."--Fiction Advocate "The wide-ranging connections he draws are convincing, provocative, and not infrequently funny, drawing the reader into a labyrinth of reflection where each turn brings a new surprise."--Santa Fe New Mexican "Informed and informative...thoughtful and thought provoking."--Midwest Book Review "Turchi combines puzzles and discussions of magic tricks as well as conventional literary analysis to show how arranging information to deepen the sense of mystery can make writing more interesting."--Chicago Reader "A MUSE AND A MAZE is my favorite book about literature. The prose is engaging, and the mind behind is filled with insight, depth and a great sense of play. Anyone who likes books should read it." --Chris Offutt, author of No Heroes: A Memoir of Coming Home "He's done it again. Peter Turchi, the best-selling author who inspires artists, designers, and anyone trying to understand how to capture an audience's imagination through storytelling, has written a book that aligns the art of literature with puzzle creation and illusions."--World Literature Today "The tension between these concepts--puzzle and mystery--forms the center of Turchi's learned, funny, and uncategorizable book, part writing guide, part literary criticism, and part playful compendium of tricks, games, and problems."-Colorado Review Read more...
