Gabrielle Wittcop's 'Le sommeil de la raison' posthumously published
Gabrielle Wittcop, the French writer known for her scandalous 1972 novel 'Le Nécrophile', died by suicide as she had announced, refusing the ravages of old age. Her final collection of six stories, 'Le sommeil de la raison', was published posthumously by Éditions Verticales. Wittcop had been revived in public memory in 2001 when Verticales reissued 'Sérénissime Assassinat' and two older titles including 'Le Nécrophile'. Described by Jacques Henric as a 'joyfully pessimistic' writer, Wittcop's work confronts human monstrosity without acrimony. The collection's title alludes to Goya's etching 'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters', warning readers to recognize the monsters within. Wittcop lived 'as a free man' and died the same way, rejecting sympathy for the human species. Her writing remains lucid and violent, unearthing the putrefaction and ordure that await all mortals.
Key facts
- Gabrielle Wittcop died by suicide as she had announced, refusing the ravages of old age.
- Her final collection 'Le sommeil de la raison' was published posthumously by Éditions Verticales.
- Wittcop gained fame in 1972 with the publication of 'Le Nécrophile'.
- In 2001, Éditions Verticales republished 'Sérénissime Assassinat' and two older titles, including 'Le Nécrophile'.
- The collection contains six stories.
- Jacques Henric wrote the accompanying text.
- Wittcop described herself as having lived 'en homme libre' (as a free man).
- The title references Goya's 'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters'.
Entities
Artists
- Gabrielle Wittcop
- Jacques Henric
Institutions
- Éditions Verticales
Sources
- artpress —