Michael Sanchez's Book Examines Raymond Roussel's Theatrical Life and Literary Legacy
Michael Sanchez's latest work delves into the life and writings of French novelist Raymond Roussel, characterized by his eccentricities and the public's apathy. The publication examines Roussel's tendency for self-mythologizing, which involved manipulating edition numbers and employing audiences. His novels, such as La Doublure (1897) and Locus Solus (1913), perplexed readers while shaping future literary movements. In 1926, Pierre Janet assessed Roussel's psychological state, identifying him with melancholic delusions. Following a scandal in 1904, Roussel maintained a mistress to hide his homosexuality. His lavish spending ultimately led to his suicide in Palermo in 1933. This release aligns with a Roussel exhibition at Galerie Buchholz in Cologne, showcasing his enduring influence on experimental literature and various adaptations.
Key facts
- Michael Sanchez published The Books and Life of Raymond Roussel
- Raymond Roussel was a French author who lived from 1877 to 1933
- Roussel forged edition numbers and published self-penned reviews under pseudonyms
- His novels include La Doublure (1897), Chiquenaude (1900), Impressions d'Afrique (1909), and Locus Solus (1913)
- French psychoanalyst Pierre Janet diagnosed Roussel as melancholic in De l'Angoisse à l'Extase (1926)
- Roussel developed a literary 'procédé' using homophonic punning that influenced Surrealists and others
- He died by suicide in 1933 in a Palermo hotel room
- The book was released alongside a Roussel exhibition at Galerie Buchholz in Cologne
Entities
Artists
- Raymond Roussel
- Michael Sanchez
- Jorge Luis Borges
- Georges Bataille
- Michel Foucault
- Marcel Duchamp
- Daniel Buchholz
- Christopher Müller
- Pierre Janet
Institutions
- Galerie Buchholz
- Collège de 'Pataphysique
- OuLiPo
- New York School
- Surrealists
Locations
- Cologne
- Germany
- Paris
- France
- Palermo
- Italy