A remarkable collection of writings by members of the group known as the Oulipo (Ouvroir de litterature potentiale), this anthology includes, among others, Italo Calvino, Harry Mathews, Georges Perec, Jacques Roubaud, and Raymond Queneau. Founded in Paris in 1960, the Oulipo views imaginative writing as an exercise dominated by the method of "constraints." While a major contribution to literary theory, and also great fun, Oulipo: A Primer of Potential Literature is perhaps most distinguished as an indispensable guide to writers.

This is an amazing anthology of writings by members of the group known a Oulipo (Ouvroir de litterature potentiale), comprised of Italo Calvino, Harry Mathews, Georges Petec, Jacques Roubaud, Raymond Queneau, and others. Rather than inspiration, rather than experience, rather than self-expression, the Oulipians view imaginative writing as an exercise dominated by the method of "constrains". A major contribution to literary theory and an indispensable guide to an approach to writing that has yet to make its impact on the United States.