A book that practices philosophy with arcane symbols? Time to ponder the Dictionary of Relations of Tsai Hsin-yun.
The Dictionary of Relations created by Tsai Hsin-yun is a philosophical work of art, and more specifically, a phenomenological work of art, since indeed its aim is to mirror the necessary structure of subjective experience. In this way, it belongs in the same category as Sartre’s Nausea or Koltès’ In the Solitude of Cotton Fields. Yet, there is one crucial difference: it does not practice existential philosophy with words, but with drawn symbols. This is a tour de force many might think impossible, and yet it is plain to see on the page. Full transparency: I have worked on this project as a proofreader and as a translator of some of its introductory texts. I also received a free copy when I asked for one, after deciding on my own that I wanted to showcase this work of art on my blog. You are warned of the full context of my affection, and so now I can resume my enthusiasm: I would like to go into details as to why I think this work is so brilliant and interesting to think about. ...