The Palimpsest: Literature, Criticism, Theory - by Sarah Dillon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Drawing together diverse literary, critical and theoretical texts in which the palimpsest has appeared since its inauguration by Thomas De Quincey in 1845, Palimpsest: Literature, Criticism, Theory provides the first ever genealogy of this metaphor. Sarah Dillon's original theorisation argues that the palimpsest has an involuted structure which illuminates and advances modern thought. While demonstrating how this structure refigures concepts such as history, subjectivity, temporality, metaphor, textuality and sexuality, Dillon returns repeatedly to the question of reading. This theorisation is interwoven with close readings of texts by D. H. Lawrence, Arthur Conan Doyle, Umberto Eco, Ian McEwan and H.D.
Clearly written, and negotiating a range of critical theories and modern literary texts, it provides a reference point and critical tool for future employment of the concept of 'palimpsestuousness', and makes a significant contribution to the debate surrounding the relationship between theoretical and critical writing on literature.

Review Quotes

"'This is a compelling and original book, as multi-layered as its title might lead us to hope. Dillon offers a lucid and lively account of the history and development of the notion of palimpsest, from ancient history through to postcolonialism and queer theory. In a series of deft and insightful readings of De Quincey, Freud, Saussure, Barthes, Riffaterre, Genette, Kristeva and Derrida, as well as literary works by Arthur Conan Doyle, D.H. Lawrence, H.D., Umberto Eco and Ian McEwan, The Palimpsest renews and transforms our understanding of this curious topic.'Professor Nicholas Royle, University of Sussex" --Professor Nicholas Royle

About the Author

Sarah Dillon is Lecturer in Contemporary Fiction at the University of St. Andrews, UK.