And how long did it take to make my way back into my office afterward, to sit at my desk and stare at the oversize book, open up there for more than two years now, the facing images I’m still staring at in this moment? Dürer’s Melencolia I—how I’ve thought of her these years. This room I now share with the changing table and bureau and crib and books and toys. When did I realize that it is her baby in Melencolia I—her baby, their mess, the day.
Still, what the beautiful is, I know not, although, it adheres to many things. . . .
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book would not exist without my principal correspondent Sofia Samatar, an important reader and collaborator. To Danielle Dutton, Bhanu Kapil, Suzanne Scanlon, T Clutch Fleischmann, and Amina Cain, who have represented the possibilities of literary community for me. Love as well to all my other correspondents.
This book also wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for Cal Morgan, whose belief in this work has helped bring it to its final form. Thank you to everyone at Riverhead. To Philomene Cohen, for her assistance. And to Sofia Groopman, for being an early champion, and as always Mel Flashman.
This project is indebted to the collaboration and engagement of my partner, John Vincler—who was invaluable in helping conceptualize the visual aspects of the book, particularly the collages, and who is one of the most brilliant writers and thinkers about art that I know.
To my daughter, Leo. For making me think so constantly about beauty and joy.
This book, as I reread it, seems ultimately dedicated to my little zen master Genet, to his love and friendship, what he’s taught me about how to live. Perhaps he’ll lick the photo of me, if it appears, if the book is left out on the porch, in the sun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Zambreno is the author of several acclaimed books including Screen Tests, Heroines, and Green Girl. Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, VQR, and elsewhere. She teaches in the writing programs at Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College.
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Drifts Page 18