The Argonauts Explained

The Argonauts
Author:Maggie Nelson
Country:United States
Genre:Autotheory
Publisher:Graywolf Press
Release Date:2015
Media Type:Print
Pages:160
Isbn:1555977073

The Argonauts is a book by poet and critic Maggie Nelson, published in 2015. It mixes philosophical theory with memoir.[1] The book discusses her romantic relationship with the transgender artist Harry Dodge leading to her pregnancy as well as topics ranging from the death of a parent, transgender embodiment, academia, familial relationships, and the limitations of language.[2] Nelson also explores and criticizes ideas from several philosophers including Gilles Deleuze, Judith Butler and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick.[3] The title is a reference to Roland Barthes' idea that to love someone is similar to an Argonaut who constantly replaces parts of their ship without the ship changing names.[4] The book won a National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism for books published in 2015.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Als . Hilton . Maggie Nelson's Many Selves . . April 11, 2016 . September 11, 2021.
  2. Web site: Fontenot . Andrea . Unpacking Maggie Nelson's 'The Argonauts' . . July 13, 2015 . September 11, 2021.
  3. Web site: Marcus . Sara . Review: An intimate look at a fluid family in Maggie Nelson's 'The Argonauts' . . April 30, 2015 . September 12, 2021.
  4. Web site: Feigel . Lara . The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson review – a radical approach to genre and gender . . March 27, 2016 . September 12, 2021.
  5. Web site: Dean . Michelle . Margo Jefferson and Maggie Nelson win National Book Critics Circle Awards . . March 18, 2016 . September 12, 2021.