The Mathematics of the Breath and the Way

On Writers and Writing

A collection of columns, reviews, introductions, interviews, and previously uncollected stories revealing the method behind the madness and critical acumen of Charles Bukowski.

Genius could be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way, or even to say a simple thing in a simpler way.Charles Bukowski

In The Mathematics of the Breath and the Way, Charles Bukowski considers the art of writing, and the art of living as a writer. Bringing together a variety of previously uncollected stories, columns, reviews, introductions, and interviews, this book finds him approaching the dynamics of his chosen profession with cynical aplomb, deflating pretensions and tearing down idols armed with only a typewriter and a bottle of beer. Beginning with the title piecea serious manifesto disguised as off-handed remarks en route to the racetrackThe Mathematics of the Breath and the Way runs thr