The Coral Sea

Author: Patti Smith

Stock information

General Fields

  • : $20.99 AUD
  • : 9780393341355
  • : WW Norton & Co
  • : WW Norton & Co
  • : 0.666
  • : June 2011
  • : 250mm X 150mm X 15mm
  • : 20.95
  • :
  • :
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Patti Smith
  • :
  • : Paperback
  • :
  • : 96
  • : Illustrations
  • :
Barcode 9780393341355
9780393341355

Description

Before the National Book Award-winning Just Kids, Patti Smith addressed the life and passing of her intimate friend, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Through the linked pieces of The Coral Sea, Patti Smith honours her comrade-in-arms Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989). She tells the story of a man on an ocean journey to see the Southern Cross, who is reflecting on his life and fighting the illness that is consuming him. Metaphoric and dreamy, this tale of transformation arises from Smith's knowledge of Mapplethorpe from a young man to a mature artist; his close relationship with patron and friend, Sam Wagstaff; his years surviving AIDS; and his ascent into death. The Coral Sea is Smith's lyrically compelling recasting of her grief to recapture Mapplethorpe's life in the past and his future in his art. Rich in evocative details, it shows the man beneath the persona.

Author description

Patti Smith is a poet, performer, visual artist, and author of the National Book Award-winning memoir Just Kids. She has twelve albums, has had numerous gallery shows, and continues to give concerts of her music and poetry. Her books include Early Work, The Coral Sea, Witt, Babel, Auguries of Innocence, Woolgathering, Land 250, Trois, and many others. She lives in New York.