acknowledgments
introduction
when to keep silence?
chapter one
immemorial silence: Maurice Blanchot
chapter two
and my memory from the minds of men: Georges Bataille
chapter three
in the interrogative position: four poets
chapter four
vanishing presence: St. Augustine
chapter five
redeeming language: Meister Eckhart
chapter six
conclusion: forgetful memory
endnotes 115
works cited 159
index