About the book
A fever-dream journal documenting the making of cinema’s most infamous production, from the world's most infamously visionary director: Werner Herzog.
In 1982, the visionary film director, Werner Herzog, released Fitzcarraldo, a lavish film about a would-be rubber baron who pulls a 320-ton steamship over a mountain. Hailed instantly by critics around the globe as a masterpiece, Fitzcarraldo won Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, affirming Herzog's reputation as one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of his time.
Conquest of the Useless is the diary Herzog kept during the making of Fitzcarraldo, compiled from June 1979 to November 1981. Emerging as if out of an Amazonian fever dream during filming, Herzog's writings are an extraordinary documentary unto themselves, providing a glimpse into the mind of a genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements.
‘Hypnotic... It is ever tempting to try to fathom [Herzog’s] restless spirit and his determination to challenge fate’ New York Times
Editions of Conquest of the Useless
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784879785
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529935233
Read an Excerpt
A fever-dream journal documenting the making of cinema’s most infamous production, from the world's most infamously visionary director: Werner Herzog.
In 1982, the visionary film director, Werner Herzog, released Fitzcarraldo, a lavish film about a would-be rubber baron who pulls a 320-ton steamship over a mountain. Hailed instantly by critics around the globe as a masterpiece, Fitzcarraldo won Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, affirming Herzog's reputation as one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of his time.
Conquest of the Useless is the diary Herzog kept during the making of Fitzcarraldo, compiled from June 1979 to November 1981. Emerging as if out of an Amazonian fever dream during filming, Herzog's writings are an extraordinary documentary unto themselves, providing a glimpse into the mind of a genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements.
‘Hypnotic... It is ever tempting to try to fathom [Herzog’s] restless spirit and his determination to challenge fate’ New York Times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Conquest of the Useless about?
A fever-dream journal documenting the making of cinema’s most infamous production, from the world's most infamously visionary director: Werner Herzog.
In 1982, the visionary film director, Werner Herzog, released Fitzcarraldo, a lavish film about a would-be rubber baron who pulls a 320-ton steamship over a mountain. Hailed instantly by critics around the globe as a masterpiece, Fitzcarraldo won Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, affirming Herzog's reputation as one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of his time.
Conquest of the Useless is the diary Herzog kept during the making of Fitzcarraldo, compiled from June 1979 to November 1981. Emerging as if out of an Amazonian fever dream during filming, Herzog's writings are an extraordinary documentary unto themselves, providing a glimpse into the mind of a genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements.
‘Hypnotic... It is ever tempting to try to fathom [Herzog’s] restless spirit and his determination to challenge fate’ New York Times
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Conquest of the Useless?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Published diaries, letters and journals
Where can I read a sample of Conquest of the Useless?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784879785
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Conquest of the Useless?
Werner Herzog
Who is the Publisher of the book Conquest of the Useless?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Conquest of the Useless is available as paperback(ISBN 9781784879785) and ebook(ISBN 9781529935233)
Where can I buy Conquest of the Useless online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Conquest of the Useless from below
Where can I buy Conquest of the Useless?