Bukowski, A Life: The Centennial Edition
- Thread starter Chrisw
- Start date
zobraks
Moderator
I never read a biography of Buk... Not sure I want to. I mean, you can know too much, can't ya? Why shatter this nice image I have of him in my mind even if I know it's a fiction? It's not like I'm a scholar trying to get at the "real" Bukowski or something. I'm just a guy who likes how he puts down the lines... Am I missing something good if I don't read this? Curious to hear views...
Don't know if YOU'd be missing anything, I certainly would.
I've made the experience that in enhances my appreciation of an artist, writer, etc. and his/her work, to know a bit about their background and live and views. I personally feel enriched like that.
Since publication date has been scheduled to July 28, I guess no one here has had a peek so far, right? Or does anyone have a reviewer's copy by now?
I'd be interested if the content has changed much, like corrections on the many flaws and inaccuracies, or has he just added his new preface?
Anyone in touch with Neeli?
I'd be interested if the content has changed much, like corrections on the many flaws and inaccuracies, or has he just added his new preface?
Anyone in touch with Neeli?
I personally always try to separate the art from the artist. That being said, if I like the art, I'm probably going to be investigating at least a little about the artist. Sometimes the life of the artist even transcends the art they make for me, for example Dalí, Burroughs and Lemmy. Sometimes the art is much more interesting than the artist, like in the case of most movie directors. Sometimes both are heavily interesting like with Bukowski.
For me it’s sometimes important to research about an artist for the same reason you mentioned you don’t want to know more about them. People usually tend to form this idealized image of an artist in their heads, and I think it's sometimes important to shatter it so as to realize they are humans after all, not some mythical figure we should all be bowing down to. They have values and they have flaws, but in the end, in terms of the art, the work speaks for itself.
Glad someone mentioned this, I am reading it currently. Having not previously read the other version...I am enjoying it but taking things with a pinch of salt as I often do with just about everything. Damn....I don't even trust my own memories. It is a nice version...very nicely put together.
