Just in, Kissing the Mask, the new Vollmann-book on Japanese Noh theatre. It’s short one, as he states ironically in the first pages, only 504 pages this time. I’m not entirely sure I’m into reading all of that now… however I know there will be beautiful passages in the book, and it presents another chance to consider the relevance and/or value of Vollmann’s excessive writing. The excess is his what makes his writing work, it’s what distinguishes it from journalism, and it’s the main weakness. It’s the weakness that makes it work.