"Beckett is presumed to have hated philosophy but his plays tell us otherwise. He disliked academic pomp, but plumbed ideas to the depth. If you appreciate Beckett's theater you may want to use this well-researched book to go backstage and consider the thinking behind the words." -- Antonio Damasio, Professor, David Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience, and Director of Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California "In this meticulously researched book, Marco Bernini addresses the most perplexing aspects of Beckett's writing: his representation of altered states of consciousness, of voice hearing, and of varieties of introspection beyond everyday phenomenological levels of awareness. Through an intricate interweaving of narrative and cognitive theory, paired with arresting close readings, Beckett and the Cognitive Method advances a strikingly new argument that will transform our understanding of Beckett's work." -- Ulrika Maude, Professor of Modern Literature, University of Bristol "The word 'landmark' is overused, but I believe it applies to this book. It reflects the author's sparkling intelligence and, at the same time, the book's deep research in philosophy, psychology, the cognitive sciences, narratology, literary criticism, and still other disciplines. Marco Bernini makes a genuine contribution that more than fulfills the promise of a genuine literary-scientific cross-pollinization in narratological and literary discourse.

" -- Porter Abbott, Research Professor Emeritus of English, University of California, Santa Barbara "Marco Bernini.makes a convincing case, and his book offers fresh perspectives for anyone with an interest in Beckett, as well as being an excellent introduction for those curious about the methods and accomplishments of cognitive literary criticism right now." -- Simon Kemp, Somerville College, Oxford, United Kingdom, French Studies.