The Tongue Set Free

Winner of the Nobel Prize, the first volume of the author's autobiography provides a portrait of his personal background and creative development.

Elias Canetti was one of the major intellectual figures and polymaths of the twentieth century. A master of many genres, he is known especially for his novel, Auto-da-Fe, and his great work of social theory, Crowds and Power. But Canetti's genius is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the three volumes of his autobiography.

Tongue Set Free delves into Canetti's childhood and his artistic development, presenting the important events, and influences—especially Canetti's mother—that shaped the intellectual growth of the artist as a young man.

“His exacting presence honors literature.” ―George Steiner

“Canetti is one of our great imaginers and solitary men of genius.” ―Iris Murdoch