Eliot's Book of Bookish Lists – Christmas Special 2022
On the Road with Penguin Classics
The Whimsy and Absurdity of Lists in Literature
This chapter examines the fascination with lists as illustrated by Jorge Luis Borges, focusing on his whimsical Chinese taxonomy that questions traditional classification. It weaves through anecdotes of eccentric authors and mythical artifacts, connecting these explorations to the broader landscape of literature and its absurdities. The narrative culminates in the tragic tale of Miss Flight, reflecting on the interplay of humor and despair in literature, emphasizing how lists can challenge and reshape our understanding of the world.
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