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The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein
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The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
by Gertrude Stein
"A fascinating insight into the vibrant culture of Modernism, and the rich artistic world of Paris's Left Bank."
🎨 MODERNIST LITERATURE | MEMOIR | CLASSIC FICTION
A definitive, light-hearted, and audacious account of the American Modernist movement in Paris, masquerading as the autobiography of Stein's life partner.
Extended Synopsis
Published as a Penguin Modern Classics edition featuring an introduction by Thomas Fensch, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is actually Gertrude Stein's own ingenious autobiography. Written from the perspective of her life partner, Alice, the book provides a vibrant, firsthand roll-call of the extraordinary artists and writers who frequented their legendary Saturday evening salons at the rue de Fleurus between 1903 and 1932. From Picasso and Matisse to Hemingway and Fitzgerald, Stein chronicles the defining moments of the avant-garde movement.
This accessible and entertaining work breaks from Stein's famously difficult experimental prose, utilizing an unhurried rhythm and deadpan humor to document her life and the cultural explosion of early 20th-century Paris. It propelled Stein to international celebrity status and remains a critical text for understanding the foundations of modern art and literature.
About the Author
Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) was a pioneering American writer and a central figure of the Parisian avant-garde. Born in Pennsylvania, she spent most of her life in France alongside Alice B. Toklas. As an experimental prose stylist, her works such as Three Lives and Tender Buttons challenged conventional narrative forms and deeply influenced generations of writers, including Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation.
Reader Targeting & Academic Utility
- Literature & Art History Students: A vital primary source for studying the "Lost Generation" and the Parisian Modernist movement.
- Classic Memoir Readers: Appeals to those who enjoy witty, character-driven historical accounts of expatriate life.
- Academic Curriculums: Highly relevant for courses covering 20th-century women's literature and LGBTQ+ historical figures.
Technical Specifications
| ISBN-13 | 9780141185361 |
| ISBN-10 | 0141185368 |
| Format | Paperback (New Edition) |
| Publisher | Penguin UK |
| Publication Date | April 26, 2001 |
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Biography & Memoir, Classics & Literature |
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