Patti Smith, weaver of reality, releases new book 'The Bread of Angels'

Patti Smith, the iconic punk rock poet and musician, continues to explore the depths of her inner world with her latest literary offering, 'Le Pain des anges' (The Bread of Angels). The autobiographical work delves into her spiritual and artistic life, weaving together memories of loved ones, artistic heroes, and profound personal experiences.

Published on June 20, 2026, the book reflects Smith's lifelong engagement with a wide spectrum of spiritual and artistic influences. She finds communion not only with the living but also with the departed, great artists, and rock and roll legends, transforming these connections into her art. This omnivorous approach to inspiration has been a hallmark of her career since the release of her seminal 1970s album 'Horses'.

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imagination, talisman of thought, is much more powerful than a magic carpet or an invisibility cloak.

Smith's formative years, spent in post-war America amidst economic precarity, were marked by a powerful imagination and a fragile health that led to extended periods of reading. Books offered her an escape, allowing her to inhabit characters like Alice and Peter Pan, and fostering a belief in the immense power of imagination. Early encounters, such as a childhood vision of a prehistoric serpentine turtle, became foundational epiphanies that continue to nourish her creative output.

From her early days as a rebellious figure in the burgeoning punk scene to her established status as a celebrated author with over a dozen books to her name, Smith's journey has been one of continuous artistic evolution. 'Le Pain des anges' appears to be another chapter in this ongoing exploration of life, memory, and the transcendent power of art.

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I entered into its world, but I couldn't say where we went.