From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
A canif is a small knife, here used to cut outlines from thin cardboard. Longuemare’s lack of skill is technical rather than a lack of intelligence or goodwill. The task separates shaping parts from threading and animating them, allowing two people with different aptitudes to share one craft.
Places to read
- Chapter XIV, paragraph 13Frenchà la pointe du canif: with the point of a penknife. Longuemare cannot cut pleasing contours from the cardboard.