Books : Love in a Dark Time: And Other Explorations of Gay Lives and Literature


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Books : Love in a Dark Time: And Other Explorations of Gay Lives and Literature


  

Love in a Dark Time: And Other Explorations of Gay Lives and Literature

by: Colm Toibin




Your Price: $24.00
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 810.9920664
EAN: 9780743229449
ISBN: 0743229444
Label: Scribner
Manufacturer: Scribner
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 272
Publication Date: October 08, 2002
Publisher: Scribner
Release Date: October 08, 2002
Studio: Scribner



Editorial Review:

Product Description:


Colm Tóibín knows the languages of the outsider, the secret keeper, the gay man or woman. He knows the covert and overt language of homosexuality in literature. In Love in a Dark Time, he also describes the solace of finding like-minded companions through reading.

Tóibín examines the life and work of some of the greatest and most influential writers of the past two centuries, figures whose homosexuality remained hidden or oblique for much of their lives, either by choice or necessity. The larger world couldn't know about their sexuality, but in their private lives, and in the spirit of their work, the laws of desire defined their expression.

This is an intimate encounter with Mann, Baldwin, Bishop, and with the contemporary poets Thom Gunn and Mark Doty. Through their work, Tóibín is able to come to terms with his own inner desires -- his interest in secret erotic energy, his admiration for courageous figures, and his abiding fascination with sadness and tragedy. Tóibín looks both at writers forced to disguise their true experience on the page and at readers who find solace and sexual identity by reading between the lines.









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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:  out of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Colm Tóibín, May His Tribe Increase!
Once captured by the liquid, informed prose of Colm Tóibín it is difficult to ignore anything this brilliant writer has written. Still under the spell of 'The Master' and having just sadly finished 'The Story of the Night' (that novel could have been extended another 300 pages!), it seemed only appropriate to read an investigative work, just to see how this man's mind absorbs and dissects the world of reality instead the one of fiction.

Happily LOVE IN A DARK TIME is as fascinating a read as his novels. Tóibín searches the lives of many writers and artists asking how did/does their sexuality inform what they create. After a few historic references regarding the gay aspects of Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Melville, Joyce, Lorca, Yeats, Kafka, Proust, Gide et at, he analyses biographies (example: Lionel Trilling's bio of EM Forster) that appear unaware of the subject's sexual proclivities! That thrusts us into the exploration of history before the term 'homosexual' was created, regards the aspects of 'the gay being', and proceeds to introduce postulates as to how the works created by nine particular people were deeply influenced by their sexuality, occult or accepted.

What then follows is a richly detailed and elegant series of essays on Henry James, Oscar Wilde, Roger Casement (of The Black Diaries), Thomas Mann, Francis Bacon (the painter), Elizabeth Bishop, James Baldwin, Thom Gunn, Pedro Almodovar, and Mark Doty. In each essay Tóibín takes a new stance of investigation, finding incidents or traits in the lives of those discussed that allow 'stories' to develop naturally.

For those who have read 'The Master' (Tóibín's own "biography" of Henry James) this series of highly researched essays will come as no surprise. Tóibín's mind is rich with a plethora of books read and a penetrating mind that examines art from a vantage peculiar to a man that has arrived at the top of the heap in the field of literature. For enjoyable and informative reading, LOVE IN DARK TIME is a pearl. And reading Tóibín's older works only serves to whet the appetite for his next opus. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, June 05



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - LOVE THAT ILLUMINATES
Colm Toibin's "Love in a Dark Time" is a superior group of essays by one gay writer about other gay writers. What distinguishes this 2001 collection is how effectively Toibin sells the work of each figure essayed. I was never interested in James Baldwin before, but after reading Toibin's take, I ran out and enjoyed two Baldwin books. In the piece on Thomas Mann, we see how many of his male infatuations Mann turned into art--which infatuations into which stories--a subject being studied in detail only now by his biographers. And in the profile of Pedro Almodovar, we meet the Spanish torch singer Chavela Vargas, whom Almodovar rescued from obscurity because her confessional art mirrored so closely the values of his own cinema of women. A wonderful collection of essays that illuminate, indeed sell, each subject.



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - An intriguing collection of essays
In this series of essays, Colm Tóibín explores the lives of nine artists whose homosexuality greatly influenced their art, and whose art greatly influenced their lives. He writes about Oscar Wilde, Thomas Mann, Thom Gunn, Pedro Almodóvar, James Baldwin, Roger Casement, Elizabeth Bishop, Mark Doty, and Francis Bacon (with a final essay about Catholic Ireland and how it is changing, with references to Micheál Mac Liammóir and Cathal Ó Searchaigh). Tóibín writes about not only their lives and art, but also the challenge and limitation of being labeled a "gay artist". These essays are fascinating and illuminating, and are a welcome addition to literary criticism, especially since it's a fellow writer bringing an interesting view to the canon.



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Recalling Favorite Authors of His Youth!
This retrospective from this award-winning Irish gay novelist is a very informative, enlightening, and opinionated reading for anyone, but especially gay readers, interested in gay literature. The author's aim was to write a book about a group of authors and their books that he read in his youth, that deeply influenced him, and that he discovered only years later were by gay authors. These authors became companions that had the same interests as he did. Toibin examines the lives of such authors as; Thomas Mann, James Baldwin, Roger Casement, and poets Mark Doty, and Thom Gunn. These authors are some of the most influential gay writers of our time, but some had to keep their sexuality hidden by choice or necessity. I enjoyed all of Toibin's examinations of these fine authors but after reading Toibin's chapter about Roger Casement's "Black Diaries", which were supposedly vivid records of his sexual partners, I'm still left wondering whether or not they really existed.


This book shows how deeply serious this author is about his love of books. You will walk away with an entirely new view of the life and work of these authors who have clearly influenced Toibin's life. It is a book that makes you think of your own favorite authors and how they have affected your life. This is a wonderful book, like no other I have read. Highly Recommended!

Joe Hanssen



Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - I'm Left Somewhat in the Dark
This is my first nonfiction read by Toibin. I've read three of his novels and think he gets better with each one. THE BLACKWATER LIGHTSHIP was an altogether fine book and deserved the Booker Prize I think. So I couldn't wait to start this one. I confess that I'm not sure what is going on here. In the introduction Mr. Toibin presents some of his favorite artists. He says that he writes about "gay figures for whom, in the main, being gay seemed to come second in their public lives" writers who write in code, whose works are not published during their lifetime, who use vague pronouns in their poetry. (Certainly I wouldn't have wanted to miss a novel like "DEATH IN VENICE," for instance.) Toibin goes on further to say that writing this book helped him come to terms with his "own interest in secret, erotic energy," his interest in both Catholicism and Irish Protestants, his admiration for "figures who lived in a dark time and were not afraid," and his fascination with sadness and tragedy. Herein lives Mr. Toibin's problem. He takes on too much in too little space. Additionally his treatment of these artists he admires is wildly uneven, both in depth and space. For example, the chapter on Oscar Wilde covers almost 50 pages; the chapter on Mark Doty-- one of my favorite writers-- covers only 7. And for the life of me I'm not sure what Mr. Toibin is trying to say in the concluding chapter entitled "Good-bye to Catholic Ireland," a chapter I read twice. Like many Catholics who attempt to say what is wrong with their church, Mr. Toibin is too "tentative," a word he uses elsewhere in this book, in his taking on the church. Certainly he is not alone in his dilemma, however. It's easy for me to make that criticism, never having walked in a Catholic altar boy's shoes either. In Toibin's chapter on Elizabeth Bishop, we are told that "like all orphans, Bishop was clever at making friends and inventing a family for herself." I suspect that that statement is true for many people but for "all orphans"? I'm not sure that that is a true statement.

There is a lot to like about this book, however. Mr. Toibin is never dull and is best when doing a narrative, something we would expect from a fine novelist. For example, when he describes a party that both he and Almodovar attended in Madrid, I wanted to be there. When I finished this book, I wanted to reread James Baldwin and read for the first time both Elizabeth Bishop and Thom Gunn. Toibin is also good at giving us delicious trivia about people. For example, we learn that Francis Bacon slept with a dog the night before being examined for military service in order to exacerbate his asthma and flunk his physical.

I'm certainly glad I read this book and would read anything by this writer. I just don't think this book is as good as Mr. Toibin's fiction.




 





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The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer is an advanced, high-tech pedometer that--thanks to unique dual sensor technology--can be carried in your pocket or bag. Now you can just drop your pedometer in your purse to find out how much exercise you get in a typical day of work, errands, and other tasks. Of course, you can also attach it to your belt like a traditional pedometer.



A large, easy-to-read display helps you keep tabs on your workout. View larger.
The HJ-112 accurately measures your steps, as well as aerobic steps and minutes. You can also use it to measure calorie consumption during your workout, as well as the distance you've traveled.

The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise. The device also resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.

The HJ-112 is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The device measures approximately 2.8 x 2.1 x .6 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1.1 ounces (not including battery).


What's in the Box
Pedometer, battery (CR2032), screwdriver, strap, clip for strap, holder, and instructional manual.

Compare Omron Pedometers

HJ-150

HJ-151

HJ-112

HJ-720ITC
Measurement
  • Steps
  • Steps
  • Moderate steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
  • Steps
  • Aerobic steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
  • Steps
  • Aerobic steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
Product Placement Clip to belt Clip to belt Pocket, bag or clip to belt Pocket, bag or clip to belt
History 7 days 7 days 7 days 7 days (displayed)
42 days (in memory)
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year
Batteries 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032)
Estimated Battery Life Approx. 1 year
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 1 year
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 6 months
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 6 months
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Time of Day Display
Omron Health Management Software

Q&A - Pedometers
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.

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The Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer is an advanced, high-tech pedometer that--thanks to unique dual sensor technology--can be carried in your pocket or bag. Now you can just drop your pedometer in your purse to find out how much exercise you get in a typical day of work, errands, and other tasks. Of course, you can also attach it to your belt like a traditional pedometer.

The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise, and there's also a 42-day memory for uploading past workouts to your PC. The device resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.

The HJ-720ITC is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The pedometer also includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP, which keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.



The included Omron Health Management Software provides a steps graph that lets you see how your values are trending over time. View larger.


View pedometer and blood pressure data together (via a split screen) on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. View larger.
Omron Health Management Software
Take your health to the next level with the included Omron Health Management Software. This PC software provides a blood pressure and pulse graph that lets you see how your values are trending over time. A morning/evening comparison graph tracks your morning and evening systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. You can also view your most common values and identify variations by time frame with the frequency distribution graph. The software is simple to use, and it supports multiple users. With just one click, you can download data via the HJ-720ITC's USB connection and see graphically displayed measurements on your computer screen in seconds.

Compare Omron Pedometers

HJ-150

HJ-151

HJ-112

HJ-720ITC
Measurement
  • Steps
  • Steps
  • Moderate steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
  • Steps
  • Aerobic steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
  • Steps
  • Aerobic steps and minutes
  • Calories
  • Distance
Product Placement Clip to belt Clip to belt Pocket, bag or clip to belt Pocket, bag or clip to belt
History 7 days 7 days 7 days 7 days (displayed)
42 days (in memory)
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year
Batteries 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032)
Estimated Battery Life Approx. 1 year
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 1 year
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 6 months
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Approx. 6 months
(when used for walking 10,000 steps a day)
Time of Day Display
Omron Health Management Software

Q&A - Pedometers
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron Pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.




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