The Wave in the Mind

Imagination and the Art of Writing and Reading

$24.95 US
Shambhala
32 per carton
On sale Aug 04, 2026 | 9781645475248
Sales rights: World

See Additional Formats
Join Ursula K. Le Guin as she explores a broad array of subjects, ranging from Tolstoy, Twain, and Tolkien to women's shoes, beauty, and family life. With her customary wit, intelligence, and literary craftsmanship, she offers a diverse and highly engaging set of readings. The Wave in the Mind includes some of Le Guin's finest literary criticism, rare autobiographical writings, performance art pieces, and, most centrally, her reflections on the arts of writing and reading.
“Le Guin here proves herself to be a skilled and thought-provoking writer of nonfiction as well. Her persnickety, opinionated voice often leaps off the page.”
Publishers Weekly

“Essential reading for anyone who imagines herself literate and/or socially concerned or who wants to learn what it means to be such.”
Library Journal

“What a pleasure it is to roam around in Le Guin's spacious, playful mind. And what a joy to read her taut, elegant prose.”
—Erica Jong

About

Join Ursula K. Le Guin as she explores a broad array of subjects, ranging from Tolstoy, Twain, and Tolkien to women's shoes, beauty, and family life. With her customary wit, intelligence, and literary craftsmanship, she offers a diverse and highly engaging set of readings. The Wave in the Mind includes some of Le Guin's finest literary criticism, rare autobiographical writings, performance art pieces, and, most centrally, her reflections on the arts of writing and reading.

Praise

“Le Guin here proves herself to be a skilled and thought-provoking writer of nonfiction as well. Her persnickety, opinionated voice often leaps off the page.”
Publishers Weekly

“Essential reading for anyone who imagines herself literate and/or socially concerned or who wants to learn what it means to be such.”
Library Journal

“What a pleasure it is to roam around in Le Guin's spacious, playful mind. And what a joy to read her taut, elegant prose.”
—Erica Jong