Guide to modern world literature
by Martin Seymour-Smith · first published 1973
3mentions
2recommended by
2HN commenters
2013–2021first – last mentioned
100% recommend
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I noticed that this list was made by Martin Seymour-Smith. He was an English poet and critic whose masterpiece was called Guide to Modern World Literature. It is a monster of a book that covers hundreds (thousands?) of writers, a tour de force that is nearly impossible to believe was put together by one person. I used to spend hours poring over it in the…
on “The Most Influential Books Ever Written (2010)” ↗…strangest articulation of modernity. Bruno Schulz is more whimsical. Borges is another whom your list suggests you should try. If you really want to go down a rabbit hole, find Martin Seymour-Smith's Guide to Modern World Literature and browse through it to blow your mind. It covers everything and seems impossible, except it exists so it can't be.
on “Ask HN: What are some good books?” ↗Thanks, I'll add "The Guide to Modern World Literature" to my reading list (and I guess it will transitively keep this list filled for the next decade or so)
on “Radical Polish books to add to your reading list” ↗