Books by Michel Leiris

Eminent poet, essayist, anthropologist, art critic, and author of over twenty books, Michel Leiris (1901-90) is one of the most important French writers of the twentieth century. He deeply influenced Levi-Strauss and Foucault, and was a member of the celebrated group that included Bataille, Jacob, Picasso, de Beauvoir, Gris, Cisaire, and Mirs. 'Biffures' ['Scratches'], volume 1 of his four-part autobiography, was first published in 1948. 'Fourbis' ['Scraps'], volume 2, first appeared in 1955 and the first English translation of it, also by Lydia Davis, is available from Johns Hopkins. English translations of the remaining two volumes will also be published by Johns Hopkins. Lydia Davis has translated more than 25 books, including works by Sartre, Maurice Blanchot, Michel Butor, and Georges Simenon. Recipient of Ingram Merrill Foundation and NEA fellowships, and a Whiting Writers Award, she is the author of a short story collection, 'Break It Down', and a novel, 'The End of the Story'.