André Breton
André Breton was a French writer, poet, and anti-fascist, most famous for being the founder of Surrealism, a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s. He wrote the first Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, defining surrealism as 'psychic automatism in its pure state.' Breton's work includes poetry, essays, and theory, influencing the art and literature of his time and beyond.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Nadja
The novel is a surrealistic exploration of the narrator's relationship with a young woman named Nadja. As the narrator becomes infatuated with Nadja, their encounters become more and more dreamlike. The book delves into the nature of reality and the power of the subconscious mind, blurring the lines between dreams and reality. It is also a commentary on the socio-political climate of Paris in the early 20th century, showcasing the author's views on art, life, and love.
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2. Arcanum 17
"Arcanum 17" is a surrealist exploration of love, loss, and resurrection set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Melusina, the author uses the symbolism of this mythic figure to discuss the role of women in society and the destructive nature of war. The narrative also delves into themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, all while using the surrealist style to blend reality and dream in a poetic and philosophical discourse.
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3. Surrealist Manifesto
The Surrealist Manifesto is a groundbreaking work that introduces and defines the surrealist movement in literature and art. The book, written by the founder of the movement, presents the idea that the rational mind represses the power of the imagination, weighting it down with taboos. It argues that the world of dreams and the unconscious should be embraced to enhance creativity, leading to more complete and fulfilling human experience. The book also criticizes traditional societal structures and norms, advocating for revolution and freedom of thought.
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4. Poems Of André Breton
This collection is a compilation of works by a seminal figure in the surrealist movement, showcasing a series of poems that delve into the depths of the unconscious mind. The poems are characterized by their dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and free association, reflecting the author's revolutionary approach to literature. Through his verse, the poet seeks to liberate thought from rational constraints and explore the vast possibilities of human imagination, often blurring the lines between reality and dream, sanity and madness, in a quest to capture the essence of surrealist philosophy.
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5. Manifestoes Of Surrealism
This book is a seminal collection of writings that serves as the foundation for the Surrealist movement, articulating its philosophies and aspirations. It presents a series of manifestos and essays that challenge conventional perceptions of reality and advocate for the liberation of the human mind. Through a blend of poetic and theoretical language, the author calls for the unification of dreams and waking life, the exploration of the unconscious, and the rejection of traditional artistic and social norms. The work is a manifesto for creative freedom and seeks to revolutionize thought and expression by embracing the irrational and the marvelous.
