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Eros the Bittersweet

by Anne Carson

Love examined through classical thought and literature

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Love examined through classical thought and literature

Anne Carson’s study takes “eros” as both a philosophical idea and a literary subject, tracing how classical writing gives shape to romantic love. Sappho’s description of eros as “bittersweet” provides a point of departure for an inquiry that approaches the subject from multiple perspectives. The book sits at the intersection of classical studies and literary criticism, making love not just an emotion to describe but a concept to examine through texts and ideas.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in classical philosophy and literature
  • Those exploring literary approaches to romantic love
  • Readers seeking nonfiction that combines literary criticism with ideas from antiquity

Themes

Eros and romantic loveClassical philosophy and literatureSapphoLiterary criticism

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time

A book about romantic love, Eros the Bittersweet is Anne Carson's exploration of the concept of "eros" in both classical philosophy and literature. Beginning with, "It was Sappho who first called eros 'bittersweet.' No one who has been in love disputes her," Carson examines her subject from numerous points of view, creating a lyrical meditation in the tradition of William Carlos Williams's Spring and All and William H. Gass's On Being Blue.

Epigrammatic, witty, ironic, and endlessly entertaining, Eros is an utterly original book.

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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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