The Poetics of Space (1957)

Finally done with this bad boy! A challenging but ultimately rewarding read. Bachelard’s idea about a phenomenology of the imagination, one that tries to examine images with a primal, immemorial source, is utterly mesmerising and fertile (though I do believe poetry/art consists of more than that which Bachelard values most in this book). A lot of it went over my head - it’s super dense - definitely down for a re-read. I don’t think I’ll look at poetry (or elements of reality) in the same way again. ( )

I am my own hiding place. Pg.88.

The primitiveness of refuge. the animal movements of withdrawal. Pg 91

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Very well done and thoroughly intriguing. ( )

I bought this at the James Castle House in Boise, Idaho, inasmuch as Deleuze and hourglasses were both mentioned (and I bought an hourglass, too). A fabulous, sustained reverie for the poet in us all.

This and the other Bachelard translations inspired my best work (poetry) in a series that took me through in excess of 700 poems.

I think his ability to thoughtfully examine space, from a perspective that that is contemplative rather than analytical s a wonderful variant.

Works well for me, at the least. ( )