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This two-part episode opens with Katie, Brian, and Chad talking about madness, the pursuit of knowledge, what great authors “struggle against,” and much more. Then, Chad and Katie are joined by Emily Hall (The Longcut) to discuss the art works on the covers of the three-volume edition ofÌý2666, along with Duchamp, Amalfitano’s “readymade,” and more.

Here are links to a number of the artworks that Emily references throughout the discussion:

Cy Twombly.ÌýÌý(1955)

Albertus Seba’s

Frederick Ruysch’s

Marcel Duchamp. (Unhappy Readymade, 1919)

This week’s music is “Walking at a Downtown Pace” by Parquet Courts.

If you’d prefer to watch the conversation—and see Chad looking mighty uncomfortable in a tie—you can find it on along with . And tune in next Thursday at 9am ET for the next episode, “”

Follow and for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests.

Be sure to order Brian’s book, , which is available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. And all of Katie’s translations, especiallyÌýÌýandÌý.Ìý

You can also support this podcast andÌýallÌýof Open Letter’s activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the .