Brian Dillon

Joshua Cohen, author of 'Attention! a (short) history', and Brian Dillon, writer and critic, discuss the cultural history of attention from Saint Augustine to amphetamines. They explore attention through various lenses including theological, technological, and literary perspectives, highlighting its impact on philosophy, writing, and modernist fiction.

Brian Dillon, critic and essayist, discusses writing with Chris Power. They explore using images, writing attentively about sentences and objects, transitioning from academic to engaging writing, the influence of writers like Roland Barthes, the balance between close reading and interpretation, and the significance of personal experiences in writing.

Brian Dillon, author of the insightful trilogy on essayism, and Kate Briggs, a talented translator of Roland Barthes and author of This Little Art, join the discussion with expert moderator Helen Charman. They explore the art of literary translation, tackling its challenges and nuances. The conversation dives into the playful use of punctuation and how it shapes voice. They reflect on balancing structured planning with spontaneity in writing, and the deep connection between personal experience and narrative craft, offering a wealth of literary inspiration.