David Markson
David Markson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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David Markson was born on November 15, 1927, in Buffalo, New York. He is often referred to by his middle name, which he used as a pen name for some of his literary works.
Birth and Death Dates
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November 15, 1927 – July 4, 2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American novelist and poet
Early Life and Background
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David Markson was born into an artistic family. His father, a lawyer, encouraged his love for literature from an early age. Markson developed a passion for poetry and the novel form while attending Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He later earned a Master's degree in English Literature from New York University.
Major Accomplishments
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Markson's literary career spanned over four decades. His novels often blended elements of satire, absurdity, and philosophical inquiry, showcasing his unique writing style. Some notable works include:
Toothbrush Tales, a collection of short stories that explore the mundane aspects of life.
Wittgenstein's Mistress, a novel that follows the protagonist as she attempts to understand the meaning of language in an increasingly absurd world.
Markson's work often explores themes of identity, language, and human connection. His innovative approach to storytelling has influenced many contemporary writers.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his novels, Markson was also a prolific poet. His poetry collections offer insightful explorations of the human condition. Some notable works include:
Stations at 3AM
Sorrel and Black
Markson's writing has been praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth.
Impact and Legacy
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David Markson's work has had a lasting impact on contemporary literature. His innovative style and exploration of themes have influenced many writers to experiment with form and content. As a result, his legacy extends beyond his own writings; it can be seen in the works of those he has inspired.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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David Markson's unique writing style, which blends elements of satire, absurdity, and philosophical inquiry, makes him widely quoted or remembered. His exploration of themes such as identity, language, and human connection continues to resonate with readers today.
Quotes by David Markson
He had a face roughly the shape and color of a clumsily peeled Idaho potato, and he had a jaw like the end of a cigarette carton.
In fact one frequently seemed to gather all sorts of similar information about subjects one had less than profound interest in.
In addition to remembering things that one does not know how one remembers, one would also appear to remember things that one has no idea how one knew to begin with.
Helen ran off with a lover only once in her life herself, and for three thousand years nobody would ever let her forget about it.
Trying to imagine E. M. Forster, who found Ulysses indecorous, at a London performance of Lenny Bruce – to which in fact he was once taken. Trying to imagine the same for a time-transported Nathaniel Hawthorne – who during his first visit to Europe was even shocked by the profusion of naked statues.
Can Protagonist think of a single film that interests him as much as the three-hundredth best book he ever read?