Tender Buttons

Gertrude Stein (1874–1946), a renowned figure among the expatriate American writers of the Lost Generation, is perhaps better known for her Parisian salon than her literary works. However, her innovative approach to writing and her originality of thought have had an enormous impact on contemporary literature.

Stein was a mentor and guide to the Lost Generation, including celebrated authors such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Her works, such as the 1914 publication Tender Buttons, showcase her unique and experimental style. Stein pushes the boundaries of abstraction, treating words purely as words in a manner more akin to painting than traditional literature.

Tender Buttons offers readers a rewarding and thought-provoking journey through Stein's experimental techniques. Often compared to music and Cubist imagery, the exhilarating prose of this work challenges the conventional structure of language. Stein favors the use of verbs and prepositions in unusual combinations, while deliberately avoiding the use of nouns.

According to Sherwood Anderson, Tender Buttons "gives words an oddly new intimate flavor and at the same time makes familiar words seem almost like strangers … For me the work of Gertrude Stein consists in a rebuilding, an entire new recasting of life, in the city of words." This innovative approach to language and form has cemented Stein's place as a pioneering figure in contemporary literature.

Stein's literary works, including Tender Buttons, have been widely acclaimed for their originality and impact on the literary landscape. Her experimental techniques and unconventional use of language have inspired and challenged readers and writers alike, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes literary expression.

Through her Parisian salon, Stein also played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of the expatriate American community in Paris. She served as a mentor and guide to many of the era's most celebrated writers, fostering an environment of creativity and experimentation.

Despite her better-known status as a hostess and patron of the arts, Stein's literary contributions remain a crucial aspect of her legacy. Her innovative approach to writing, as exemplified in Tender Buttons, has left an indelible mark on the development of modern literature, inspiring generations of writers to explore the limitless possibilities of language and form.

product information: