The Sense Of Movement

Welcome to a literary experience that promises to stretch your imagination like a particularly stubborn elastic band. Enter "The Sense Of Movement" by the illustrious Thom Gunn, a book that not only delves into the concept of motion but may just leave you questioning whether you’ve been sedentary your entire life—or if that’s simply a side effect of reading too many dusty old tomes. Published in the flamboyant 1960s by Faber and Faber, it’s a title that practically invites you to rediscover your inner philosopher, or perhaps just your inner sloth, depending on your mood.

Now, one might wonder what exactly it is that "The Sense Of Movement" is moving towards. Is it the hustle and bustle of city streets, the graceful flow of ballet, or perhaps the frenetic energy of a kitchen during Sunday roast preparation? The possibilities are as varied as the dance styles at a particularly avant-garde soirée. With each page turn, readers might find themselves pondering profound questions about the very nature of motion: Is it merely a physical sensation or does it possess an emotional resonance that sends shivers down your spine? Or perhaps you’ll just be wondering what on earth you’ve gotten yourself into.

Thom Gunn, being the literary maestro he is, weaves words that evoke a sense of urgency, a pulse that makes you want to leap off the couch—though let’s be honest, you’d probably just remain ensconced in your armchair, fully committed to the role of the reluctant reader. It’s a delightful irony, really: a book that invites you to move while you remain blissfully motionless, possibly clutching a cup of tea or a jammy dodger.

The 1960s were a time of radical change, from social upheavals to the rise of experimental art forms. In this context, "The Sense Of Movement" is like that one eccentric uncle at family gatherings: endlessly fascinating, occasionally perplexing, and always ready to drop some mind-bending philosophical bombshell that leaves you questioning what you thought you knew about the world. It’s an era where the pen was decidedly mightier than the sword, but perhaps not quite as effective as a well-aimed throwing star if you happen to be in a particularly animated discussion.

If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys a smorgasbord of ideas served up with a side of cheeky wit, then this book might just tickle your fancy. Inside these pages, you may encounter musings that meander as freely as a cat through an open window, taking you on a journey that could lead anywhere from existential dread to the joyful abandon of a spontaneous dance party in your living room—complete with questionable dance moves, of course.

• Explorations of the paradox of stillness amid chaos.
• Intriguing musings on the snail’s pace of bureaucracy.
• Philosophical inquiries reminiscent of late-night pub debates.
• Metaphors that might just make you see the world differently.
• Prose that dances like a squirrel on a power line—unexpected and a tad erratic.

Condition: This book has been previously loved, with pages that may bear the soft imprints of a thousand thoughts and perhaps a few tea stains as well—proof that it has lived a life rich with experience. The cover may be slightly scuffed, embodying that charming “lived-in” aesthetic that only a well-read volume can claim. If you’re on the lookout for something pristine, you might want to consider a different shelf, but if you appreciate the character that comes from age and use, this book is a delightful companion.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a whimsical exploration of the art of motion—or just fancy a quirky addition to your collection—look no further than "The Sense Of Movement." Available at Crappy Old Books, where the only thing more unpredictable than our selection is our sense of humour. Rediscover the joy of movement—at least in the metaphorical sense—while remaining comfortably seated with your favourite beverage. After all, why stand when you can read?

Keep browsing: See more Poetry books Other books by Thom Gunn