Ach but "excellence" to some is dross to others. It's entirely subjective. As you know, I find James Joyce unreadable and not worth persisting with, and your beloved Beckett dreadful, but I also consider most of Shakespeare's words to be turgid dross, albeit peppered with some wonderful passages, but these could all be contained in a brief list of quotations. Simenon - good; Steinbeck - good... As for what sells, well the customer is the boss. And again, I have said too much. Back into my cave...
Ignored by publishers and because of that ignored by many (most?) English readers. Big sigh.
ReplyDeleteAt least, I did not find anything English. Instead of "obviously ignored" I should have written "looks as if it's not available in English".
DeleteEls anglesos són una mica especials.😅
ReplyDeleteLes editorials, com la majoria d'empreses, es mouen pel que es mouen i així ens va tot.
Aferradetes, Sean.
Many if not most bookshop owners everywhere would love to sell more "excellent literature", but excellent literature does not sell.
DeleteAch but "excellence" to some is dross to others. It's entirely subjective. As you know, I find James Joyce unreadable and not worth persisting with, and your beloved Beckett dreadful, but I also consider most of Shakespeare's words to be turgid dross, albeit peppered with some wonderful passages, but these could all be contained in a brief list of quotations. Simenon - good; Steinbeck - good... As for what sells, well the customer is the boss. And again, I have said too much. Back into my cave...
DeleteDear Andrew, you are right, and I have my peace.
DeleteNot familiar with him but he does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI only 'discovered' him three years ago, thanks to one of Germany's (fortunately) many independent publishers.
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