"Louis-Ferdinand Celine was one of the most innovative novelists of the twentieth century, and his influence both in his native France and beyond remains huge. This book sheds light on Celine's groundbreaking novels, which drew extensively on his complex life: he rose from humble beginnings to worldwide literary fame, then dramatically fell from grace only to return, belatedly, to the limelight. Celine's subversive writing remains fresh and urgent today, despite his controversial political views and inflammatory pamphlets that threatened to ruin his reputation. The first English-language biography of Celine in over two decades, this book explores new material and reminds us why the author belongs in the pantheon of modern greats."

About the Author
Damian Catani is Senior Lecturer in French at the Department of Cultures and Languages at Birkbeck, University of London. His most recent book is Evil: A History in Modern French Literature and Thought (2013).

Reviews
"In this major new biography of Celine, Damian Catani deftly weaves together the life and the work allowing each to illuminate the other in a brilliant portrait. One of the twentieth century's most important literary figures, Celine emerges here in all his ambivalence, his outstanding talent as a writer matched only by his obvious flaws as an individual." -- Ian James, Reader in Modern French Literature and Thought, University of Cambridge, and author of "The Technique of Thought" and "The New French Philosophy"
"One of the best French writers ever, who re-invented the very language of literature, and a complete SALOPARD." -- Marie Darrieussecq



Book Information
ISBN 9781789144673
Author Damian Catani
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Reaktion Books
Publisher Reaktion Books