The Unknown

"The Unknown" is described as a "collaborative hypertext novel written during the turn of the millennium and principally concerning a book tour that takes on the excesses of a rock tour. Notorious for breaking the 'comedy barrier' in electronic literature, The Unknown replaces the pretentious modernism and self-conciousness of previous hypertext works with a pretentious postmodernism and self-absorption that is more satirical in nature. It is an encyclopedic work and a unique record of a particular period in American history, the moment of irrational exuberance that preceded the dawn of the age of terror. With respect to design, The Unknown privileges old-fashioned writing more than fancy graphics, interface doodads, or sophisticated programming of any kind. By including several 'lines' of content from a sickeningly decadent hypertext novel, documentary material, metafictional bullshit, correspondence, art projects, documentation of live readings, and a press kit, The Unknown attempts to destroy the contemporary literary culture by making institutions such as publishing houses, publicists, book reviews, and literary critics completely obsolete." -- From Electronic Literature Collection, Volume Two

3 COPIES IN THE NEXT

The Electronic Literature Collection Volume 2

Published in 2011 by Electronic Literature Organization.

The ELO gave this copy of the work to the Electronic Literature Lab in 2018.

PUBLICATION TYPE

Anthology

COPY MEDIA FORMAT

Web

ORIGINAL URL

https://collection.eliterature.org/2/works/rettberg_theunknown.html

Riding the Meridian

Published in 2001 by Riding the Meridian.

This copy was given to the Electronic Literature Lab by Jennifer Ley in Spring of 2019.

PUBLICATION TYPE

Journal

COPY MEDIA FORMAT

Web

The Marjorie C. Luesebrink Collection

Published in 2001 by Rettberg, Scott.

This copy was given to ELO by Marjorie Luesebrink in Spring of 2018.

PUBLICATION TYPE

E-lit Object

COPY MEDIA FORMAT

CD-ROM