Light Detectors, Photoreceptors, and Imaging Systems in Nature

Book Description

The influence of light on the lives of living organisms is all-pervasive, affecting movement, vision, behavior, and physiological activity. This book is a biophysically grounded comparative survey of how animals detect light and perceive their surroundings. Included are discussions of photoreceptors, light emitters, and eyes. The book focuses in particular on the kinds of optical systems that have evolved, beginning with unicellular organisms that detect and respond to light through to more advanced and complex designs for imaging. The relevance of these studies extends beyond biology, since these findings can be used to help develop photoreceptor energy conversion and information systems, and optical imaging devices with a wide range of everyday applications. The book will appeal to biophysicists, photobiologists, bioengineers, neuroscientists, and all researchers working in the area of vision and visual optics.

Light Detectors, Photoreceptors, and Imaging Systems in Nature

Average customer rating:

Light Detectors, Photoreceptors, and Imaging Systems in Nature
Jerome J. Wolken
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OK82E2

Average customer rating:

Light Detectors, Photoreceptors, and Imaging Systems in Nature
Jerome J. Wolken
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUMLC2

Book Description

This volume is devoted to the various aspects of theoretical organic chemistry. In the nineteenth century, organic chemistry was primarily an experimental, empirical science. Throughout the twentieth century, the emphasis has been continually shifting to a more theoretical approach. Today, theoretical organic chemistry is a distinct area of research, with strong links to theoretical physical chemistry, quantum chemistry, computational chemistry, and physical organic chemistry.

Product Description

Computational Studies of RNA and DNA includes, in an integrated way, modern computational studies of nucleic acids, ranging from advanced electronic structure quantum chemical calculations through explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations up to mesoscopic modelling, with the main focus given to the MD field. It gives an equal emphasis to the leading methods and applications while successes as well as pitfalls of the computational techniques are discussed.

The systems and problems studied include:

Accurate calculations of base pairing energies

Electronic properties of nucleic acids and electron transfer, through various types of nucleic acid

Calculating DNA elasticity

This book is ideally suited to academics and researchers in organic and computational chemistry as well as biochemistry and particularly those interested in the molecular modelling of nucleic acids.

Besides the state-of-the art science, the book also provides introductory information to non-specialists to enter and understand this field.

A Handbook of Computational Chemistry: A Practical Guide to Chemical Structure and Energy Calculations

Average customer rating:

A Handbook of Computational Chemistry: A Practical Guide to Chemical Structure and Energy Calculations
Tim Clark
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

Molecular Chemistry | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0471882119

Heats of Hydrogenation: Experimental And Computational Hydrogen Thermochemistry of Organic Compounds

Average customer rating:

Heats of Hydrogenation: Experimental And Computational Hydrogen Thermochemistry of Organic Compounds
Donald W. Rogers
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Energy | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9812569545

Computational Advances in Organic Chemistry: Molecular Structure and Reactivity (NATO Science Series C:)

Average customer rating:

Computational Advances in Organic Chemistry: Molecular Structure and Reactivity (NATO Science Series C:)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0792310640

Computational Approaches in Supramolecular Chemistry (NATO Science Series C:)

Average customer rating:

Computational Approaches in Supramolecular Chemistry (NATO Science Series C:)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

Polymers & Macromolecules | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0792327675

Book Description

This book provides a broad presentation of computer and molecular modeling approaches in supramolecular chemistry. Since it has evolved from a NATO meeting which brought together half `computer scientists' and half `experimentalists', experimental results are also presented. Computations mostly involve molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, free energy simulations, and computer graphics. Applications extend from synthetic or biological receptor-substrate or host-guest complexes to molecular assemblies, such as layers, membranes, channels, and mesomorphic phases. Gas phase clusters, crystals and liquids, adsorption in chromatography, and drug design are also presented.
The book is aimed at the many scientists interested in the atomic level understanding and modeling of the structural and thermodynamical features involved in the processes of molecular recognition and supramolecular organization in chemistry, physics, and biology, involving noncovalent binding interactions.

Computational Medicinal Chemistry for Drug Discovery

Average customer rating:

Computational Medicinal Chemistry for Drug Discovery

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Pharmacy | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0824747747

Book Description

Observing computational chemistry's proven value to the introduction of new medicines, this reference offers the techniques most frequently utilized by industry and academia for ligand design. Featuring contributions from more than fifty pre-eminent scientists, Computational Medicinal Chemistry for Drug Discovery surveys molecular structure computation, intermolecular behavior, ligand-receptor interaction, and modeling responding to market demands in its selection and authoritative treatment of topics. The book examines molecular mechanics, semi-empirical methods, wave function-based quantum chemistry, density functional theory, 3-D structure generation, and hybrid methods.

Computational Studies, Nanotechnology, and Solution Thermodynamics of Polymer Systems

Average customer rating:

Computational Studies, Nanotechnology, and Solution Thermodynamics of Polymer Systems

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

Inorganic | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

Polymers & Macromolecules | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Medicine | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0306465493

Book Description

This volume combines two symposia, Computational Polymer Science and Nanotechnology, and Solution Thermodynamics of Polymers, both held at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, October 17-20, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Both symposia brought together leaders, pioneers, and promising researchers in the area of the physical chemistry of polymers. The first meeting concentrated on computational techniques, while the other presented recent work on both experimental and theoretical works in the physical chemistry of polymers.

Computational Theoretical Organic Chemistry (NATO Science Series C:)

Average customer rating:

Computational Theoretical Organic Chemistry (NATO Science Series C:)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Density Functional Theory II: Relativistic and Time Dependent Extensions (Topics in Current Chemistry)

Average customer rating:

Density Functional Theory II: Relativistic and Time Dependent Extensions (Topics in Current Chemistry)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book provides an introduction to the theory of quantum groups with emphasis on the spectacular connections with knot theory and on Drinfeld's recent fundamental contributions. The first part presents in detail the quantum groups attached to SL2 as well as the basic concepts of the theory of Hopf algebras. Part Two focuses on Hopf algebras that produce solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation, and on Drinfeld's quantum double construction. In the following part we construct isotopy invariants of knots and links in the three-dimensional Euclidean space, using the language of tensor categories. The last part is an account of Drinfeld's elegant treatment of the monodromy of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations, culminating in the construction of Kontsevich's universal knot invariant.

Customer Reviews:

For quantum mathematicians.......2001-09-03

This book is further evidence of the tremendous influence that quantum physics, especially quantum field theory and superstring theory, has had on modern mathematics. Very rich mathematical structures and simplified methods of proof have resulted from looking at mathematics from a quantum point of view. Because of the enormous success of viewpoint, examples being proofs of the Atiyah-Singer index theorem, the Jones polynomial, and the Seiberg-Witten equations, one could justify a rephrasing of the remark by Eugene Wigner and now speak of "the reasonable effectiveness of physics in mathematics".
The book gives a fine overview of a field that has only been around for a few decades, and is manifested by brilliant developments. Those who have worked with the Yang-Baxter equations from the theory of exactly solved models in statistical mechanics will see these equations come alive here in a much more general form. In addition, knot theorists and geometric topologists will appreciate the discussion of how their constructions can be cast in the tensor and tangle categories that are explained in detail in this book. The title of the book is a little strange, given that the structures treated are more specific than groups, but the author has explained well the theory of quantum groups, as is it is now referrred to in journal classification schemes.

An in-depth reading of the book is time-consuming, and no doubt the average reader will not read it from cover to cover but instead will peruse only the areas of immediate interest. Part One of the book is an overview of what the author calls quantum SL(2), which is an example of a Hopf algebra. The first two chapters are purely a review of algebra, with the third being an introduction to coalgebras, which the author, in a categorical sense, identifies as being dual to an algebra. The notion of a bialgebra is also discussed, which is essentially a vector space equipped with both an algebra structure and a coalgebra structure. Taking a tensor product of this vector space with itself and examining certain morphisms between these structures gives a set of compatibility conditions that define the bialgebra structure. A Hopf algebra is then a bialgebra that has a special endomorphism of the underlying vector space. The algebraic topologist reader will be familiar with Hopf algebras via studies of product manifolds such as Lie groups. Quantum groups have given many examples of non-commutative non-cocommutative bialgebras than were known before this research area had taken off. The author also discusses the quantum plane as an object that generalizes the affine plane, namely the two variables x, y generating the plane no longer commute but instead satisfy yx = q xy. The author investigates in detail the quantum group SLq(n), which is based on the classical Lie group. References are given for quantum groups based on the other Lie groups, such as the orthogonal and symplectic groups. The Lie algebra Uq(sl(2)) is given a detailed treatment by the author when q is not a root of unity. This Hopf algebra is a 1-parameter deformation of the enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra sl(2) considered in earlier chapters. The reader interested in the renormalization is strongly urged to read this first part, as recently it has been shown that for any quantum field theory, the combinatorics of Feynman diagrams gives rise to a Hopf algebra which is commutative as an algebra, and is the dual Hopf algebra of the enveloping algebra of a Lie algebra whose basis is labelled by one particle irreducible Feynman diagrams. The Lie bracket of two diagrams is computed from insertions of one graph in the other and vice versa, and the Lie group G is the group of characters of the Hopf algebra. This structure is used to go on and formulate the renormalization problem rigorously.

Part two is an overview of the famous Yang-Baxter equation whose exact solutions in terms of R-matrices have generated a vast amount of research. The author introduces the concept of a braided bialgebra, which contain a "universal" R-matrix which induces a solution of the Yang-Baxter equation on all of their modules, and thus giving a systematic method for constructing solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation. The duals of these bialgebras give a cobraided bialgebra, and the author shows how to construct a cobraided bialgebra out of any solution of the Yang-Baxter equation. It is also shown how the quantum groups GLq(2) and SLq(2) can be obtained by this method, and it is proven that they are cobraided. The famous Drinfeld quantum double, yielding a braided Hopf algebra out of any finite-dimensional Hopf algebra with invertible antipode, is discussed in great detail.

The next part is basically low-dimensional topology in the form of knots, links, and braids, wherein the author discusses the relationship between the Jones polynomial and R-matrices. The connection between knot theory and quantum groups is given by the representation theory of Hopf algebras, this connection taking place in the tensor category. A certain strict tensor category is built out of tangles, and shown to give isotopy invariants of links. Braiding in the tensor category is used to formalize the notion of crossing in link and tangle diagrams. Tensor categories modeled on framed tangles or "ribbons" are introduced to illustrate duality. The concept of a quasi-bialgebra is introduced and braid group representations of these are constructed. When quasi-bialgebras are equivalent under a "gauge transformation" introduced here, they have the same braid group representation.

The last part considers the role of monodromy in the theory of quantum groups. The quantum enveloping algebras due to Drinfeld and Jimbo are discussed and shown to provide isotopy invariants of links. The monodromy of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov system is shown to be equivalent to the braid group representation of this system. Knot invariants of finite type are shown to be universal invariants for quantum groups.

Kassel's Quantum Groups.......2000-09-13

This is a very well-written book covering not only quantum groups but also the connections with low-dimensional topology. When comparing the presentation in the book with other presentations in the literature I realized how much work the author put in trying to make the material accessible. Part I covers Hopf algebras and quantum SL(2). Part II covers the Yang-Baxter equation and its solutions (R-matrices) and Drinfeld's quantum double construction. Part III deals with the applications to low-dimensional topology, i.e., the construction of knot invariants via braided tensor categories, in particular the construction of the Jones-Conway polynomial. Part IV is an account of Drinfeld's treatment of the monodromy of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations. The last chapter discusses finite type knot invariants, and discusses Cartier's combinatorial version of Kontsevich's universal knot invariant.

Hopf Algebras and Quantum Groups (Lecture Notes in Pure and Applied Mathematics, V. 209.)

Average customer rating:

Hopf Algebras and Quantum Groups (Lecture Notes in Pure and Applied Mathematics, V. 209.)

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This volume is based on the proceedings of the Hopf-Algebras and Quantum Groups conference at the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. It presents state-of-the-art papers - selected from over 65 participants representing nearly 20 countries and more than 45 lectures - on the theory of Hopf algebras, including multiplier Hopf algebras and quantum groups.

Introduction to the Quantum Yang-Baxter Equation and Quantum Groups:An Algebraic Approach (Mathematics and Its Applications)

Average customer rating:

Introduction to the Quantum Yang-Baxter Equation and Quantum Groups:An Algebraic Approach (Mathematics and Its Applications)
L.A. Lambe , and D.E. Radford
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Quantum Theory | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Waves & Wave Mechanics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The quantum Yang-Baxter equation is an important equation to solve for applications in physics and topology. This book treats the equation in the context of algebraic systems and as a problem for computer algebra. An up-to-date account of the theoretical foundations of solving the equation is given. The book contains new material which is described in the preface. Audience: The book can be used by graduate students and specialists. Over 200 exercises guide the reader from basic principles to research areas.

Kac Algebras and Duality of Locally Compact Groups

Average customer rating:

Kac Algebras and Duality of Locally Compact Groups
Michel Enock , and Jean-Marie Schwartz
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Analysis | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Science | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ASIN: 3540547452

Book Description

The theory of Kac lagebras and their duality, elaborated independently in the seventies by Kac and Vainermann and by the authors of this book, has nowreached a state of maturity which justifies the publication of a comprehensive and authoritative account in bookform. Further, the topic of "quantum groups" has recently become very fashionable and attracted the attention of more and more mathematicians and theoretical physicists. However a good characterization of quantum groups among Hopf algebras in analogy to the characterization of Lie groups among locally compact groups is still missing. It is thus very valuable to develop the generaltheory as does this book, with emphasis on the analytical aspects of the subject instead of the purely algebraic ones. While in the Pontrjagin duality theory of locally compact abelian groups a perfect symmetry exists between a group and its dual, this is no longer true in the various duality theorems of Tannaka, Krein, Stinespring and others dealing with non-abelian locally compact groups. Kac (1961) and Takesaki (1972) formulated the objective of finding a good category of Hopf algebras, containing the category of locally compact groups and fulfilling a perfect duality. The category of Kac algebras developed in this book fully answers the original duality problem, while not yet sufficiently non-unimodular to include quantum groups. This self-contained account of thetheory will be of interest to all researchers working in quantum groups, particularly those interested in the approach by Lie groups and Lie algebras or by non-commutative geometry, and more generally also to those working in C* algebras or theoretical physics.

New Trends in Hopf Algebra Theory: Proceedings of the Colloquium on Quantum Groups and Hopf Algebras, LA Falda, Sierras De Cordoba, Argentina, August 9-13, 1999 (Contemporary Mathematics)

Average customer rating:

New Trends in Hopf Algebra Theory: Proceedings of the Colloquium on Quantum Groups and Hopf Algebras, LA Falda, Sierras De Cordoba, Argentina, August 9-13, 1999 (Contemporary Mathematics)
Cordoba, Argentina) Colloquium on Quantum Groups and Hopf Algebras (1999 : La Falda , Hans-Jurgen Schneider , Nicolas Andruskiewitsch , and Walter Ricardo Ferrer Santos
Manufacturer: American Mathematical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This volume presents the proceedings from the Colloquium on Quantum Groups and Hopf Algebras held in Córdoba (Argentina) in 1999. The meeting brought together researchers who discussed recent developments in Hopf algebras, one of the most important being the influence of quantum groups.

Articles offer introductory expositions and surveys on topics of current interest that, to date, have not been available in the current literature. Surveys are included on characteristics of Hopf algebras and their generalizations, biFrobenius algebras, braided Hopf algebras, inner actions and Galois theory, face algebras, and infinitesimal Hopf algebras. The following topics are also covered: existence of integrals, classification of semisimple and pointed Hopf algebras, $*$-Hopf algebras, dendriform algebras, etc. Non-classical topics are also included, reflecting its applications both inside and outside the theory.

Average customer rating:
Semisolvability of Semisimple Hopf Algebras of Low Dimension (Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society)
Sonia Natale
Manufacturer: American Mathematical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0821839489
Release Date: 2007-02-07

Product Description

The author proves that every semisimple Hopf algebra of dimension less than $60$ over an algebraically closed field $k$ of characteristic zero is either upper or lower semisolvable up to a cocycle twist.

Book Description

One of the most accessible examples of Samuel Beckett’s dark humor, Mercier and Camier is the hilarious chronicle of its two heroes’ epic journey. While their travels are fraught with complications and intrigue, Mercier and Camier at least “did not remove from home, they had that good fortune.”

Customer Reviews:

A depressingly overrated waste of paper.......2003-03-17

"Mercier and Camier" is the kind of book that people say is great when inside they know it's pretty much terrible. Samuel Beckett gives us a plotless tale of two guys walking around a city, acting like idiots, taking pleasure from a woman's gruesome car accident, and then killing a cop. Unlike comparable 'bad guy' protagonists - such as in "A Clockwork Orange" - Mercier and Camier are not interesting, complex, sympathetic, memorable, or worth our time. And make no mistake, these guys are bad - the fact that they act like brain-damaged five-year-olds doesn't change that.

I think Beckett intended them to represent the mixture of boredom, madness, and detachment which is an essential part of most people's psyche (especially the thoughtful), but he does not achieve this goal in the least. There are a million books which express the desperation and hollowness of life, with a tinge of humor (and indeed there are a few moments of this book which are humorous, or at least attempts at humor). This is perhaps one of the most overrated of this sort of book.

Beckett's writing style is unique and, for the most part, good. My favorite line in this book came at the end of a lengthy descriptive paragraph: "End of descriptive passage." But the actual substance of this book does not live up to the promise provided by the style. While I tend to love the strange and the unique in art (especially books about people who seem at once hideously abornal and yet universal), "Mercier and Camier" proves that not all books about distinctively bizarre characters are good.

You'd be better off seeing "Waiting for Godot," or better yet, read something by Shakespeare.

Waiting for Poe.......2000-10-05

Written in 1946, "Mercier and Camier" was Samuel Beckett's first postwar novel and his first in French. "Mercier and Camier" captures the time of depression and indecision in Beckett's life. It continues the line of vagabond heroes which begins with Belacqua in "More Pricks Than Kicks" and continues with "Murphy" and "Watt." They are the first of his vaudevillian couples, and this novel is in many ways the precursor of "Waiting for Godot." If there is a chronological line of development in his writing, "Mercier and Camier" surely marks the first tentative approach toward what Beckett calls the "mature" fiction of "Molloy," "Malone Dies" and "The Unnamable." In the trilogy, Beckett relentlessly reduces his characters from pitiful creatures with few possessions--a hat, a pot, a stub of pencil--to voices, who have only the inner torments of their past life to sustain their present existence, doomed to repeat themselves until finally, even the voice, their last vestige of humanity, is stilled. There is no discernible setting, no tie with any real existence, and seemingly, no plot.

In "Mercier and Camier," the journey shapes the plot as the two men parade on an endless quest. Despite its somberness, it is in some ways a warm and funny book, occasionally tinged with stinging sarcasm. There are secondary characters, skillfully and swiftly delineated, so bizarre that even the two oddities of the title are struck by their madness. Mercier and Camier are otherworldly figures themselves, but they need the trappings of the real world in order to give their story coherence, and this is no doubt part of the reason why Beckett chose to abandon them and go on to the Malones and Malloys of his later fiction.

Just about this time, Beckett discovered that writing was for him the most intensely personal experience possible, depending not on verbal virtuosity or on the careful construction of the traditional novel. For him, creation satisfied only when he could plumb the depths of his unconscious, find an incident from his own life, and then work to conceal biography within the framework of his creative consciousness, changing dimensions of time and space according to the whim of his fictional voices. He reduces life to a series of tales, told first by one, then another (perhaps the same) voice, but all the voices are his.

Beckett perfected this method of writing novels when he discovered what he has called the most important revelation of his literary career--the first person monologue. He found he could create a multi-dimensional universe through the use of a voice telling a story. At the same time, this relentless voice could reveal character in its most desperate loneliness, stripping it as never before in contemporary fiction.

Written just before "Molloy," "Mercier and Camier" stands on the threshold of Beckett's mature fiction. There are large chunks of dialogue which he later transferred directly into Godot, but here speech is encumbered by a plot with progression and movement, albeit circuitous and often contradictory. There is a narrator, as in "Murphy" and "Watt," who occasionally intrudes to inject an acerbic comment and who thinks nothing of slowing down, speeding up, or otherwise circumventing the progress of the "pseudo-couple" (as they are called in "The Unnamable").

"Mercier and Camier" is about voluntary exile, much like Beckett's own. While it can be read as the odyssey of Beckett and the other young Irishmen who went to Paris in the 1930's hoping to gain the same success as their countryman of an older generation, James Joyce, it can also be read as two aspects of the personality of Beckett himself. Before his departure, he had been easily recognizable in Dublin by his shapeless, dirty raincoat, several sizes too large. He was plagued by recurring idiosyncratic cysts. When he wrecked his own car, he had continuous problems with his bicycle. In a drunken moment, he lost his favorite hat, which he mourned long afterwards.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books