On Stories

Description

Stories offer us some of the richest and most enduring insights into the human condition and have preoccupied philosophy since Aristotle. On Stories presents in clear and compelling style just why narrative has this power over us and argues that the unnarrated life is not worth living. Drawing on the work of James Joyce, Sigmund Freud's patient 'Dora' and the case of Oscar Schindler, Richard Kearney skilfully illuminates how stories not only entertain us but can determine our lives and personal identities. He also considers nations as stories, including the story of Romulus and Remus in the founding of Rome. Throughout, On Stories stresses that, far from heralding the demise of narrative, the digital era merely opens up new stories.

..."his argument that appreciating story is an essential part of being human is both strong and true.."
-"The Guardian
..."a paean to storytelling....The voice is clear, humane and level-headed. Kearney serves as an guide through this brief history of the ways stories have worked, for better or for worse, in our lives.."
-"The Sunday Tribune
"Like the best philosophy, and the best intellectual history, this is serious stuff dealt with a light hand.."
-Roy Foster, "The Guardian
"Kearney's chief virtue has always been pedogogical, as a gifted storyeller of ideas, and this work is no exception.."
-The Irish Times
"This is clearly an important series. I look forward to reading future volumes."
-Frank Kermode