Georges Bataille September 10, 1897 – July 8, 1962

[LR]

Georges Bataille September 10, 1897 – July 8, 1962
i have earlier read "Story of the eye" and found it really fascinating. just last night i was given a copy of "Erotism - Death and sensuality" and i am just looking at it now.
he should be an obvious must read but i haven't seen him mentioned on this forum. if i am wrong this should just be deleted.
first time i heard about him was in Deathspell omega interview by Ajna Offensive. and so far what i have read has made big impression on me.
i wanted to know if anybody could recommend writings of him or about him or have thoughts on his work.

[Pharmakon]

Story Of The Eye is completely amazing, I devoured it in nearly one sitting...I'm surprised I haven't been more avidly pursuing his other works since I read it... this reminds me to do so!

Other than Story of the Eye, what is his most prominent and/or best book? *Not his philosophic writings, but other novels or short stories?

[Unheard]

Story Of The Eye is completely amazing, I devoured it in nearly one sitting...I'm surprised I haven't been more avidly pursuing his other works since I read it... this reminds me to do so!

Other than Story of the Eye, what is his most prominent and/or best book? *Not his philosophic writings, but other novels or short stories?

check out "The Trial of Gilles de Rais", which is by far one of his most interesting works; he debates, accurately decostructs and recollects the personal murderous (and judicial) case of Gilles de Rais. It's a book of glorious literary strenght, filled with brutal murders, lustful pleasures, black magick, demented sex, philosophy and dark medieval age at its best. Despite it's a non-fictional book, it's entertaining as a pure novel (sadean for sure).
Highly recommended also "The Tears of Eros", especially the part in which Bataille describes the chinese torture named "the torture of the 100 pieces" (Leng T'Che), a sort of study on exctasy reached thru extreme violence and martyrdom (i'm quite positive the director of Martyrs admits this book has been  a huge form of influence). Obviously a must read is also "Erotism; death and sensuality".
I dont know if L'Anus Solaire has been translated into english language, it's worth reading

[tisbor]

check out "The Trial of Gilles de Rais"

yes ! i highly recommend it too , one of my favourite books . Really detailed insight into Gilles De Rais life .

[LR]

check out "The Trial of Gilles de Rais"

yes ! i highly recommend it too , one of my favourite books . Really detailed insight into Gilles De Rais life .

i will check this out. thank you

[Scale]

if not interested in his philosophical texts - read 'Blue Of Noon' at a point. It's excellent, but all of his writing is excellent. For theory, the wrtings on Surrealism are wonderful, especially the criticisms of Breton.

[selectivepestilence]

Blue of Noon is great! L'Abbe C and Inner Experience are my personal favorites

[yosef666]

Bataille was an incredible writer and thinker. It would be a mistake to ignore his theoretical works and only focus on his more "literary" output, in my opinion. I would especially recommend "Theory of Religion", and I woudl second the prior recommendations of "L'Abbe C" and "The Trial of Gilles de Rais".

[THE RITA HN]

'Erotism' has always been my favorite of his books.

[l.b.]

Bataille was an incredible writer and thinker. It would be a mistake to ignore his theoretical works and only focus on his more "literary" output, in my opinion.

Seconding this. 'The Accursed Share' is a really good critique of both capitalism and marxism.