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: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
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 a growing number of scholars engaging with her work. This book seeks to contribute to this scholarship by providing a comprehensive and critical analysis of Carter's oeuvre. It explores her writing techniques, themes, and influences, and examines how her work has been received and interpreted by critics and readers.

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 is playful and imaginative, and she frequently employs metaphor and symbolism to convey her messages.

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. The stories are dark and provocative, exploring themes of power, sexuality, and violence.

Influences and Influence:
Carter's work 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 are evident in her writing.

Edmund Gordon's Biography:
Edmund Gordon's 2016 biography of Carter, "The Sudden Flame: The Life and Death of Angela Carter," provides a detailed account of her life and work. Gordon's book sheds light on Carter's personal struggles, her relationships with her colleagues, and her creative process.

Natsumi Ikoma's Translation:
Natsumi Ikoma's translation of Sozo Araki's Japanese memoirs of Carter, "The Magic Toyshop: A Memoir of Angela Carter," offers a fresh perspective on Carter's life and work. Araki's memoirs provide insight into Carter's relationships with her Japanese colleagues and her experiences living in Japan.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Angela Carter's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary writers and scholars. This book provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of her work, highlighting her pyrotechnic creativity, her lesser-known collection of short stories, and her impact on literary and cultural traditions. It also sheds light on the influence of her experiences living in Japan and the contributions of Edmund Gordon's biography and Natsumi Ikoma's translation. As we continue to engage with Carter's work, we can appreciate her boldness, innovation, and the enduring power of her storytelling.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350182868