Harry Mathews Quotes

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Syntax and vocabulary are overwhelming constraints – the rules that run us. Language is using us to talk – we think we're using the language, but language is doing the thinking, we're its slavish agents.

Harry Mathews

Translation is the paradigm, the exemplar of all writing... It is translation that demonstrates most vividly the yearning for transformation that underlies every act involving speech, that supremely human gift.

Harry Mathews

Write about the things that attract you. Choose your subjects the way you used to choose your toys: out of desire.

Harry Mathews

Harry Mathews

Harry Mathews

Born: February 14, 1930

Died: January 25, 2017 (aged 86)

Bio: Harry Mathews was an American author of various novels, volumes of poetry and short fiction, and essays. He is also a translator from the French.

Known for:

Tlooth (1966)
Singular pleasures (1988)
My life in CIA (2005)
20 Lines a Day (American Literature (1988)
Sinking Odradek Stadium (1972)

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