Meaning: The quote you provided is from Harry Mathews, an American author known for his contributions to the Oulipo literary movement. The quote seems to reflect a significant moment in Mathews' life when he graduated in 1952 and embarked on a journey to Europe with his wife, Niki, and their first child, Laura, who was one year old at the time. This period of his life likely held great personal and perhaps professional significance for Mathews, and it provides insight into the experiences and influences that may have shaped his literary career.

Harry Mathews was born in New York City in 1930 and attended Princeton University, where he was a classmate of the renowned poet and translator Richard Wilbur. After graduating in 1952, Mathews ventured to Europe with his family, a decision that would have a lasting impact on his life and work. Mathews' experiences in Europe, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, would become a formative period for him as an author and a key influence on his literary output.

During his time in Europe, Mathews became associated with the Oulipo literary movement, a group of primarily French-speaking writers and mathematicians who sought to create literature using constrained writing techniques. The Oulipo group, which included prominent figures such as Raymond Queneau and Georges Perec, had a profound influence on Mathews' approach to writing. He became the first American member of the Oulipo, and his work often incorporated elements of literary playfulness, formal constraints, and inventive wordplay.

Mathews' experiences in Europe also provided him with a rich cultural and artistic milieu to draw inspiration from. The vibrant and diverse literary and artistic communities in cities such as Paris and London would have exposed Mathews to new ideas and perspectives, shaping his creative sensibilities and contributing to the development of his distinctive literary style.

Furthermore, Mathews' personal experiences as a husband and father during this period likely informed his writing in profound ways. The challenges and joys of raising a young family in a new and unfamiliar environment, as well as navigating the complexities of personal and professional life, would have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Mathews' worldview and creative expression.

In his own writing, Mathews often displayed a keen sense of wit, linguistic dexterity, and a penchant for intricate narrative structures. His novels, such as "The Conversions" and "Cigarettes," exhibit a playful and innovative approach to storytelling, characterized by elaborate word games and formal experimentation. These qualities can be seen as reflective of the intellectual and creative environment in which Mathews was immersed during his time in Europe.

Overall, the quote you provided offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Harry Mathews' life, capturing the beginning of a new chapter as he embarked on a journey to Europe with his young family. This period of his life would prove instrumental in shaping his literary career, influencing his creative approach and providing a wealth of experiences and influences that would inform his writing for years to come. Mathews' time in Europe and his association with the Oulipo movement would serve as foundational elements in the development of his unique literary voice and enduring contribution to contemporary literature.