Giordano Bruno and the Geometry of Language

Arielle Saiber, Assistant Professor of Italian Literature, Bowdoin College, USA.

• Contents: Introduction; Axioms: Part I: theories of geometric space and form in literature pre-Bruno; Part II: theories of geometric space and form in literature post-Bruno; Foci: Brunophilia, Brunophobia; Bruno and geometry; Bruno and language; Lines: The Candle Bearer; Lists: brachylogia and systrophe; Diversion: hyperbaton; Angles: The Heroic Frenzies; Contradiction: oxymoron and syneciosis; Intersection: chiasmus and syllepsis; Reflection: epanodos and traductio; Curves: The Ash Wednesday Supper; Hyperbola-hyperbole; Ellipse-ellipsis; Circle-circumlocution; The point; Bibliography; Index.

'Giordano Bruno has found in Arielle Saiber an interpreter most suited to his geometrical-rhetorical prose. She can mirror and match his rhetorical mode and couple this with a thorough knowledge of the mathematics of Bruno's day... Her interpretation of his work rests on impressive erudition: a familiarity with all of his published works, their various editions and translations (along with the critical literature these have evoked), knowledge of ancient and modern literary criticism and rhetoric, and relevant studies in the history of science... Saiber demonstrates convincingly that Bruno's metaphysical geometry generated his choice of figures, and her fecund interpretation of his work will surely lead to further explorations.' Renaissance Quarterly '... a study that is as rewardingly rich and strange as its subject... this book has great potential as a text in a graduate-level History or English seminar, particularly one focused on the history of language and ideas. Scholars of Italian history and language - like Saiber - will likewise see rewarding uses for this book... she amply succeeds in convincing her reader that Bruno understood in deep and profound ways that geometry is a part of language and as such a useful tool for visualizing, conceiving and expressing language in form and concept. Those interested in exploring the common language of literature, rhetoric and mathematics [...] will find much rewarding material to reflect upon Saiber's compelling, highly readable study.' Early Modern Literary Studies '... astonishingly original text... Though Bruno is always difficult reading, this volume's extraordinary lucidity makes us forget that characteristic... Saiber's own language is as magical as the realms to which she transports us... This intelligent commentary is as illuminating and provocative as it is unpedantic. In the introduction Saiber tells her readers that she aims to write a book of which Giordano Bruno would approve. She has managed, in the view of this reviewer, to do exactly that. This book deserves a high place in the libraries of all sixteenth-century scholars, especially those who ponder the sometimes very elusive accord between science and literature.' Sixteenth Century Journal '... literally grounded in measurement, while presenting a fascinating thesis.' The Year's Work in English Studies 'Saiber's book is certainly of interest to linguists.' Zentralblatt MATH