Life Writing in the Anthropocene

Life Writing in the Anthropocene explores innovative literary forms to represent life in the era of geoengineering, highlighting the entwinement of human and plant lives and the threat to just and sustainable lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Life Writing in the Anthropocene is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the defining aspects of life, the narratives that shape them, and the significance of different lives in the context of autobiography studies during this transformative era. The Anthropocene, characterized by the profound geoengineering impact of human activities, is shaping the biophysical systems of our planet through the combustion of fossil fuels, the production of carbon, unprecedented population growth, and the ongoing mass extinction of species. These developments pose significant threats to the rights and well-being of both humans and other nonhuman entities.

In response to this pressing challenge, this work offers innovative literary forms and approaches to represent life in the Anthropocene. Ecobiography, phytography, and ethological poetics are among the creative genres explored, providing scholars and writers with fresh tools to contemplate and articulate the complexities of our strange new world. These forms highlight the interconnectedness of human lives with the lives of plants, emphasizing the interdependence of all living beings.

The chapters in this book, originally published as a special issue of a/b: Auto/Biography Studies, showcase a diverse range of lives and deaths, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Anthropocene. Through a combination of creative and critical essays, authored by a collective of Antipodean authors, the book offers a poignant testament to the resilience and adaptability of human beings in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Life Writing in the Anthropocene serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and writers seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of this era. It encourages us to reimagine our relationships with the natural world, to explore new modes of representation, and to recognize the importance of diverse lives in shaping our collective narrative. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the Anthropocene, we can strive towards a more sustainable and just future for all living beings.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367704360