[ Jerusalem Dreaming Message Board ]
Whittemore's World
Posted by Joseph on May 2, 2005, 1:33 pm Anyway, the notion of historicizing Whittemore's world seems to me the first major step in situating his novels into some kind of ideological framework. It seems, too, a huge undertaking. His apparent knowledge and intentional weaving of the most obscure historical facts is still relatively unresearched. I suspect that each of Whittemore's characters, whether some historical archetype or synthesis of several historical figures, or an image of someone close to him, or formerly close to him, or Whittemore himself, conceals some relevance to a factual, documented individual. Each setting too, a situation crafted with an actual, but often manipulated historical event close in mind. That the characters and events often do not interact chronologically is only further testament to his craft. This, along with his rhetorical references to other works and his denunciation of, yet direct application of modern and contemporary theorists, Whittemore's world seems to reflect the random and chaotic (yet historically influenced) ideals as evidenced in Strongbowism. To consider the task of historicizing all four (or five) novels is enough discussion, or material for a website, for the present. Again, I really enjoyed your and Jean-Daniel's discussion surrounding the creation of a website dedicated to historicizing Whittemore's world. I would be delighted to contribute. Take care,
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Anne on May 3, 2005, 8:20 pm, in reply to "Whittemore's World" Welcome once again. It's never too late to join the conversation. I would indeed welcome any contribution you may wish to make to the definitive historicizing of the Quartet. Having thought about my precipitous acceptance of the task, I realise that it won't be a quick and easy process. Gathering the information will take up a great amount of time. Despite that, I am very much looking forward to the exercise. Also it will involve re-reading the books and making notes. As I haven't read the books for a couple of years, it will be with great pleasure that I do so. I find re-reading Whittemore quite addictive - I've just been holding off to forget them a little. Regards, Anne
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Jean-Daniel BREQUE on May 3, 2005, 3:38 pm, in reply to "Whittemore's World" I agree with you about historicizing Whittemore's world. As I translated Sinai Tapestry, I put together a timeline of the events in the book, which editor Gerard Klein decided to publish as an appendix of the French edition. I'm currently completing this timeline as I translate Jerusalem Poker, and it'll eventually cover the whole Quartet. Maybe Anne'll be interested in an English translation for this site. As a starting point to the historicizing project... Back to deadline-fighting. Jean-Daniel --Previous Message--
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Joseph on May 5, 2005, 12:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Whittemore's World" I'm excited to hear that a timeline project is already in the works. I gave thought to the project too, but never got further than scribbling dates in the margins of my text (My OEB edition has become my working text). The concept of 'thinning' is indeed fascinating with regard to the Quartet. What's of particular interest to me is the relationship of these legendary and mythical characters to their era. In the first two novels, Strongbow, Wallenstein, J.L. Szondi all seem to be men of action, men of accomplishment, men who define or stand as icons in their era. In the last two novels, the mythical characters (Big Belle and Little Alice, Abu Musa and Moses the Ethiopian) all seem to be aliens, exiled either to the Nile or the orchard: outsiders in the social construct. There is just so much to work with here, yet so little has thus far been done with it. Unbelievable. I'll be anxious to hear the progress of your translation. It seems that in the progress you are uncovering some wonderful material surrounding the depth of Whittemore's craft. Take care, --Previous Message--
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Joseph on May 5, 2005, 11:57 am, in reply to "Re: Whittemore's World" Thanks once again for your prompt response. Your dedication to this sight and its visitors is commendable. I'm happy to ear that you have found an excuse, albeit a rather productive one, to delve into the Quartet once again. My semester recently ended and I, too, have begun re-reading Sinai Tapestry during the break. The first section of this novel may very well be my favorite, if I dare choose one, bit of Whittemore craft. That the novel begins with the birth of Strongbow, a character built upon notions of chaos, disorder, and contradiction, and ends with his retirement to the Yemen after Sophia has locked away Wallenstein, God, the very foundation of order, is simply amazing. The discourse of each character was at odds with the other and it is not surprising, to this reader, that Strongbowism reigned supreme. Sorry for the rant. I get carried away in the world of EW. Take care,
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Anne on May 5, 2005, 8:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Whittemore's World" Thanks for the encouraging words. The site actually doesn't take up all that much of my time. I would like to give it a new design sometime or other but that will have to wait,as will the historical source page. You are obviously a true believer as far as Whittemore is concerned. So am I. It is reaffirmed every time I delve into the books. I'm glad that you can take time to drop into the Jerusalem Dreaming message board. Anne --Previous Message--
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Re: Whittemore's World
Posted by Jean-Daniel BREQUE on May 5, 2005, 9:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Whittemore's World" Right now, I'm taking advantage of an extended holiday week-end here, where I'm all alone in the house, to try and finish the translation of Jerusalem Poker before Sunday. The translator's task is a peculiar one, as he or she concentrates so much on the trees that the forest becomes invisible. Thanks to you, I see the forest more clearly. I'll send Anne a rough English translation of my timeline--which will cover Sinai Tapestry and Jerusalem Poker only--as soon as it is ready. Best,
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