The Thief's Journal [Paperback]

First published in France in 1949,The Thiefs Journalis Jean Genets iconic work of autobiographical fiction. This new edition brings his legendary genius to future generations of readers, with an introduction by Genets great admirer, Patti Smith.

From a prison cell, the journals narrator recounts his travels across Europe in the 1930sas a vagabond, pickpocket, and occasional prostitutein pursuit of spiritual fulfilment through erotic trysts and evil deeds. Worshipping his own holy trinity of homosexuality, theft, and betrayal, he conducts every burglary, and each sexual encounter, with the elaborate, reverent ritual of a religious ceremony. Dressed in rags and stealing for his survival, he must evade the authorities for as long as possible.

A sensuous and philosophical reverie on freedom within confinement, the heroism of the outlaw, and deception as the ultimate act of devotion,The Thiefs Journalexemplifies the exquisitely lyrical combination of fact and fiction that made Genet a major figure in world literature.Jean Genet(1910  1986) was a pioneering author of confessional novels and a dramatist of the first magnitude (New York Times). His many books includeOur Lady of the Flowers, Querelle, The Miracle of the Rose, Funeral Rites, The Balcony, The Maids and Deathwatch, The Blacks,andThe Screens.