British Avant-Garde Fiction of the 1960s

This collection brings together a selection of original, research-led essays on more than a dozen avant-garde British writers of the 1960s, revealing this to be a crucial and crucially overlooked period of British literary history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This collection is a remarkable compilation of original, research-driven essays that delve into the lives and works of more than a dozen avant-garde British writers of the 1960s. By shedding light on this oft-overlooked period of British literary history, the essays in this volume provide a fresh and insightful perspective on the creative achievements of these influential authors.

The 1960s were a transformative decade in British literature, marked by a wave of experimental and innovative writing that pushed the boundaries of traditional forms and genres. The writers featured in this collection emerged as pioneers in their respective fields, exploring new territories of language, narrative, and form. From the surrealist experiments of David Bowie to the political commentary of John Berger, the essays in this collection offer a comprehensive examination of the diverse range of literary styles and themes that emerged during this period.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the influence of modernism on British literature of the 1960s. The authors in this collection were deeply influenced by the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, including surrealism, cubism, and futurism. They sought to break down the traditional boundaries of storytelling and explore new ways of expressing the human experience. This led to the creation of experimental novels, poems, and plays that challenged the reader's perception of reality and pushed the limits of artistic expression.

Another theme that is explored in the essays is the role of politics in British literature of the 1960s. The decade was marked by social and political upheaval, including the rise of the counterculture, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War. The writers in this collection used their work to address these issues and challenge the dominant narratives of the time. They explored the complexities of identity, race, and gender, and challenged the power structures that perpetuated inequality and oppression.

The essays in this collection also offer a glimpse into the personal lives and experiences of the writers themselves. The authors were often living in a time of great social and cultural change, and their work reflects the tensions and struggles of their era. They used their writing as a means of self-expression and exploration, and their personal experiences and struggles are woven into their work in a way that is both intimate and powerful.

In conclusion, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in British literature of the 1960s. It provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the creative achievements of these avant-garde writers, and sheds light on the important themes and issues that emerged during this period. The essays in this collection are written by leading scholars and experts in the field, and they offer a fresh and engaging perspective on the literature of this crucial and overlooked era.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474436205