This Man and Music By Anthony Burgess the Irwell Edition of Works

‘What can literature and music do for each other?’ In This man and music, novelist and composer Anthony Burgess explores the topic, touching on composition, poetry, prose, and his own personal experiences. In these eleven interconnected essays, Anthony Burgess explores the complex relationship between literature and music. Drawing on his experience as both a writer and composer, Burgess not only asks what literature can contribute to the art of composition, but how music can influence the process of writing. From the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, to the prose of James Joyce, to the lyrics of Lorenz Hart, Burgess takes the reader on a journey of discovery, pausing to consider philosophical conundrums of art and adaptation, questions of meaning, and his personal experiences. Part-musical autobiography, part-literary and musical analysis, This Man and Music is a must-read for fans of Burgess who want to understand some of Burgess’s most enigmatic writing. Burgess’s erudition, wry humour and wit make this book a unique artefact in the stunning output of a prolific artist. This man and music asks two central questions: what can literature contribute to the art of composition, and how can music influence the writer? Anthony Burgess, famed novelist, journalist, and composer, answers these questions and many more. As a person uniquely qualified to look at the interconnectivity of music and literature from both sides, Burgess provides fascinating insights, drawing on his deep knowledge of both disciplines. The book contains eleven interconnected essays that touch on philosophical conundrums of art and adaptation, questions of meaning, and the author’s own personal experience. It is a must-read for fans of Burgess who want to understand how music influenced the author’s craft of writing. Part autobiography and part literary and musical analysis, This man and music is a unique artefact in the stunning output of a prolific artist.