Thousand Times Broken: Three Books

"Thousand Times Broken collects three never-before-translated texts by Henri Michaux. Composed between 1956 and 1959, during Michaux's mescaline experiments, the texts include 400 Men on the Cross, a contemplation of his loss of Catholic faith; "Peace in the Breaking," a poem written under the influence of mescaline; and Watchtowers on Targets, a singular, automatic collaboration with surrealist painter Roberto Matta. "To record the ineffable is Michaux's paradoxical project in these stunning works from the mid- to late-50s. Central to his oeuvre, to his life-long effort to come to terms with faith, they radiate an uncommon immediacy and conviction. Conoley's excellent selection-combining drawings, asemic writings, poetry, and prose commentary-offers the variety of perspectives required to appreciate the true scope of his project, and her translation keeps the writing-with all its eclectic vocabulary and dressage pacing-vibrantly alive.^ This is an invaluable addition to Michaux's works in English, filling an important gap with a vivid, vibrant linguistic performance." - Cole Swensen "The remarkable and singular Michaux: poet, visual artist, travel writer, novelist, "all intimately