Entering Sappho

An abandoned town named for the classical lesbian leads to questions about history and settlement.

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, you come to a road sign: Entering Sappho. Nothing remains of the town, just trash at the side of the highway and thick, wet bush. Can Sappho's breathless eroticism tell us anything about settlement--about why we're here in front of this sign? Mixing historical documents, oral histories, and experimental translations of the original lesbian poet's works, this book combines documentary and speculation, surveying a century in reverse. This town is one of many with a classical name. Take it as a symbol: perhaps in a place that no longer exists, another kind of future might be possible.

Author: Sarah Dowling
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Coach House Books
Published: 11/10/2020
Pages: 112
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 8.00h x 4.90w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781552454183