Of Solids and Surds, Samuel R. Delany
Of Solids and Surds, Samuel R. Delany
List: $14.95 | Sale: $10.47
Club: $7.47

Of Solids and Surds
Notes for Noël Sturgeon, Marilyn Hacker, Josh Lukin, Mia Wolff, Bill Stribling, and Bob White

Author: Samuel R. Delany

Narrator: Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir

Unabridged: 4 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/14/2021


Synopsis

In the fourth volume in the Why I Write series, the iconic Samuel Delany remembers fifty years of writing and shaping the world of speculative fiction.Science fiction dwells mostly in the realm of possibility, where mysteries proliferate nevertheless, meaning is never static, and “time and history have convinced us that things are not as they seem.” So too does all language, argues Samuel Delany, in his vigorous justification for the writing life.Chronicling his struggle with dyslexia, the evolution of his gay and Black identity during the AIDS crisis, and his experiences and relationships through five decades as a writer of fiction and nonfiction, Delany is a longtime observer of language’s inner workings. For Delany, the reasons to write are inextricably linked with the habits of reading. Like the number of galaxies in the multiverse, the possibilities are endless; but in the last analysis, we write to discover our own worlds in the worlds of others—and to promote an illusion of their sharing.

About Samuel R. Delany

Samuel R. Delany is an award-winning novelist and critic who taught literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Temple University, and the State University of New York.

About Stefan Rudnicki

Stefan Rudnicki first became involved with audiobooks in 1994. Now a Grammy-winning audiobook producer, he has worked on more than five thousand audiobooks as a narrator, writer, producer, or director. He has narrated more than nine hundred audiobooks. A recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, he was presented the coveted Audie Award for solo narration in 2005, 2007, and 2014, and was named one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices in 2012.

About Gabrielle de Cuir

Gabrielle de Cuir, award-winning narrator, has narrated over three hundred titles and specializes in fantasy, humor, and titles requiring extensive foreign language and accent skills. She was a cowinner of the Audie Award for best narration in 2011 and a three-time finalist for the Audie and has garnered six AudioFile Earphones Awards. Her “velvet touch” as an actor’s director has earned her a special place in the audiobook world as the foremost producer for bestselling authors and celebrities.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Gerhard on December 29, 2021

Well, I too, like Horace, write because I believe it is possible—sometimes—for one to educate while one delights. I have no idea what the title ‘Of Solids and Surds’ refers to after having read this, suffice it to say it is a collection of 68 notes based loosely on the question: ‘Why do I write?’ As......more

Goodreads review by Shaz on October 24, 2024

Fascinating and thought provoking thoughts on writing in general and specific works in particular as well as memories and life details, all of it written in Delany's unique and wonderful style which itself is a treat. Basically this was great.......more

Goodreads review by Dan'l on November 01, 2021

This shortish book (157 pages) took me a surprising five days to read. Some of it is because I was very busy during those five days; but it is mainly because of the information density of some parts. It is the fourth in Yale University Press's series, "Why I Write". It bears a relationship to Delany'......more

Goodreads review by Cleo on August 19, 2024

Some good moments and some “what the hell are you talking about, Delany?” moments that feel common in his nonfiction......more

Goodreads review by Becky on June 11, 2022

I was constantly delighted to read this recent piece by one of my absolute favorite writers on why he writes, despite having already read a decent portion of the included anecdotes in his other works (The Motion of Light in Water and the Afterword to A, B, C: Three Short Novels).......more


Quotes

“Fascinating…Delany’s fans are in for a treat.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)