a: A Novel

In the early 1960s, Andy Warhol turned the novel into pop art with his book, a. It is a uniquely creative insight into Factory life, featuring a cast of thinly-disguised superstars, musicians, and prima donnas running riot through Manhattan. It is a knowing response to James Joyce's Ulysses, using Warhol's visual art techniques.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Andy Warhol's iconic work is a captivating blend of novel and pop art, offering a vivid glimpse into his Factory studio. Considered a masterpiece, it was praised by Newsweek as a work of genius. In the early 1960s, Warhol embarked on a mission to transform the novel into pop art, and his first book, a , serves as a testament to this endeavor. Transcribed from audiotapes recorded in and around his legendary art studio, the book opens with the character Ondine indulging in pills, setting the stage for a series of captivating encounters with a diverse cast of characters. These include superstars, musicians, and prima donnas, who navigate the bustling streets of Manhattan in a riotous and unrestrained manner. Drawing inspiration from James Joyce's Ulysses, Warhol employs his signature freewheeling and spontaneous techniques to create a visually stunning work. a is a unique and creative exploration of Factory life, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the people, music, and culture that defined that era. From the hellish hymns of Amphetamine Heaven to the vox populi of the Velvet Underground, Warhol's characters are portrayed as witty, grand, and occasionally despicable, reflecting the darker side of the Factory scene. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, art, and pop culture, providing a fascinating window into the mind of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241586402