Performance in the Texts of Mallarme

Performance in the Texts of Mallarme, written by Mary Lewis Shaw, presents a groundbreaking theory regarding the poetic and critical works of Stephane Mallarme. This academic study challenges the traditional view of Mallarme as a proponent of literary purism or art for art's sake. Instead, Shaw explores how the poet viewed music, dance, and theater as ideal ritualistic languages that supplement the written word. By examining major poetic texts such as Herodiade and L'après-midi d'un faune, the author reveals a deep connection between literature and the performing arts.

This scholarly work focuses on the concept of extratextual performance and its role in Mallarme's creative vision. Shaw provides a detailed analysis of the monumental, unfinished project Le Livre, treating it as a prototype for avant-garde performance. Through this lens, the book connects Mallarme's literary experimentation to significant developments in twentieth-century aesthetics. Performance in the Texts of Mallarme, Volume 1, serves as a vital resource for students of avant-garde studies and French literature.