Works

Max Massa is obviously the most important writer of his era, particularly with the spellcheck turned on.  He is a novelist and an author of essays.  Thus far, he has published:

  • “The Rule of Law: a Definition in Socio-Political Terms” (Small Wars Journal) – this theoretical essay attacks the issue of what the rule of law actually is and – furthermore – what it is not, but not with the traditional focus.  It does this because the traditional focus on legislation and legal machinery is not the right place to look.  He was perhaps the only person to actually cite Durkheim as a serious authority in the decade… sad face.  It took him a year and a half to write.
  • House of Apollo (Whisk(e)y Tit Books) – a novel of exceptional artistry and penetrating insight, as confirmed by all who have ever read it.  It tells the story of Caleb, a graphic designer at Longshot Insurance, a company that exploits its oracular edge in data analysis to sell policies it knows no one will ever cash in on!  But everything goes awry when a strange individual emerges one day with an unexpected claim!  The book is ultimately an expression of the ideas the author found most useful in understanding the trends present in our world today, conveyed through the media of symbolism, action, and some pretty odd humor.
  • “Why a Novel? Long Form Fiction as a Catharsis for the Intellect” (Third Factor) – in this essay, Max Massa lays out the reasoning behind his decision to turn to fiction.  Specifically, it explores the potential of narrative literature to act as a vessel for intellectual energies, in addition to strictly creative ones.  Perhaps it’s useful!
  • “Journey to the East” (Third Factor) – The first of a projected two-part saga of Dabrowskian development, occasioned by cultural alienation and the realities of a return to America from life in China.

He has also written a small number of poems in Chinese, two of which are provided below, free of charge:

《拟寒山一首》: A chan poem on intoxication with beauty.

蛾眉扇,
齿如珠,目似星。
吾性凡,粗于瓶,
乐此醉,岂图醒?

And…

《乱斋》: A poem about Max’s cubicle, which was a mess.

轴卷累丘丘成山,
丛笔若林墨似川,
小砚作舟冲玄流:
四宝一景在我案。