Book Club: Mason Currey

Lewis Hyde’s 'The Gift' explores the nature of creativity and art through the lens of gift economies, contrasting them with market economies. He argues that true art thrives when it is created and shared as a gift, fostering community and connection rather than being driven solely by commercial interests. Hyde examines the role of the artist as a conduit, channeling inspiration and offering their work as a gift to society. The book delves into the transformative power of creativity and the importance of maintaining a balance between artistic expression and economic considerations.

Wallace Stevens's 'Harmonium' is a seminal collection of modernist poetry that explores themes of reality, imagination, and the search for meaning in a secular world. The poems are characterized by vivid imagery, rich language, and a playful yet profound engagement with philosophical ideas. Stevens often juxtaposes the concrete and the abstract, inviting readers to contemplate the relationship between perception and reality. The collection includes some of his most famous works, such as 'The Emperor of Ice-Cream' and 'Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird. '

Written by Louisa May Alcott, 'Little Women' is a semi-autobiographical novel that details the lives of the March sisters in 1860s Massachusetts. The story is loosely based on Alcott's own childhood and that of her three sisters. It explores themes of domesticity, work, and true love, and is known for its portrayal of the sisters' distinct personalities and their struggles with societal expectations. The novel follows their experiences with poverty, illness, and personal growth, and it has been praised for its realistic and empathetic depiction of family life and the challenges faced by women during that era.

Written in 1934, 'I, Claudius' is a historical novel by Robert Graves that follows the life of Roman Emperor Claudius. The narrative is presented as Claudius' autobiography, detailing the history of the Julio-Claudian dynasty from Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC to Caligula's assassination in AD 41. The book includes the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula, and is known for its historical accuracy and fictionalized accounts drawn from Roman historians like Suetonius and Tacitus. Claudius, portrayed as a historian and scholar, documents the intrigues, betrayals, and violence within the imperial family, while also reflecting on his own survival and eventual rise to the throne.