Angela Carter's Pyrotechnics: A Union of Contraries

This book critically explores Angela Carter's legacy and showcases the current state of Angela Carter scholarship, highlighting her pyrotechnic creativity and lesser-known short stories. It also explores the impact of her experiences living in Japan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book represents a significant shift in Carter studies for the twenty-first century, critically exploring her legacy and showcasing the current state of Angela Carter scholarship. It offers fresh insights into Carter's pyrotechnic creativity and pays tribute to her incendiary imagination through a reappraisal of her work, her influences, and her influence. By highlighting the highly constructed artifice of Carter's writing, it seeks to reposition her as more than just the author of "The Bloody Chamber." Along the way, it also delves into the impact of her experiences living in Japan, in the light of Edmund Gordon's 2016 biography and Natsumi Ikoma's translation of Sozo Araki's Japanese memoirs of Carter.

Introduction:
Angela Carter, a renowned British writer known for her bold and innovative storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her works, characterized by their intricate narratives, feminist themes, and exploration of the supernatural, have captivated readers for decades. This book aims to critically examine Carter's legacy and explore the current state of Angela Carter scholarship.

Legacy:
Carter's influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers, who have been inspired by her boldness and creativity. Her exploration of gender roles, sexuality, and power dynamics has challenged traditional storytelling conventions and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive literary landscape.

Scholarship:
The field of Angela Carter scholarship has grown significantly in recent years, with numerous scholars and researchers dedicating their work to understanding her complex and multifaceted writing. This book seeks to contribute to this body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of Carter's work, her influences, and her influence.

Pyrotechnic Creativity:
One of the defining features of Carter's writing is her pyrotechnic creativity. She is known for her intricate and complex narratives, which often blend fantasy, horror, and science fiction elements. Her use of language, imagery, and symbolism is masterful, creating vivid and memorable characters and settings.

Fireworks:
In addition to her well-known novels, Carter also wrote a collection of short stories titled "Fireworks: Nine Profane Pieces." This collection, which was published in 1977, showcases her lesser-known talent for storytelling and provides a glimpse into her darker and more experimental side.

Influences:
Carter's writing has been influenced by a wide range of literary and cultural traditions, including fairy tales, Gothic literature, and Japanese folklore. She also drew inspiration from her experiences living in Japan, which played a significant role in shaping her work.

Reappraisal:
This book seeks to reappraise Carter's work by examining her lesser-known collection of short stories, "Fireworks: Nine Profane Pieces." It aims to reposition her as more than just the author of "The Bloody Chamber" and highlight her diverse and innovative writing.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Angela Carter's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary writers and scholars. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of her work, her influences, and her influence, and seeks to reposition her as a significant figure in the literary world. By examining her pyrotechnic creativity, her lesser-known collection of short stories, and the impact of her experiences living in Japan, this book offers new insights into Carter's remarkable body of work.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350182721