Philosophy for Spiders: On the Low Theory of Kathy Acker

In Philosophy for Spiders, McKenzie Wark explores Kathy Acker's life and work, highlighting her as a significant postwar American writer who pushed boundaries and explored topics such as masturbation, sadism, body-building, and penetrative sex. Wark sees Acker as a theorist who brings conceptual intelligence to everyday life, particularly for those excluded from traditional philosophy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 25 October 2021
\n Publisher: Duke University Press
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It is high time that we acknowledge the remarkable literary contributions of Kathy Acker as one of the preeminent American writers of the postwar era. Throughout the years, readers have discovered a diverse range of facets within Acker's writing, including punk, feminist, queer, kink, and avant-garde. In his book "Philosophy for Spiders," McKenzie Wark adds a trans dimension to Acker's legacy. Wark vividly recounts her memories of Acker, with whom she had a passionate affair, and provides a comprehensive analysis of her published and archived works. Wark uncovers not just a creative fiction writer who pushed the boundaries of gender, but also a philosopher whose comprehensive philosophy of life brings conceptual intelligence to the everyday lives of those often excluded from the realm of philosophy. As Wark demonstrates, Acker's engagement with topics such as masturbation, sadism, body-building, and penetrative sex forms the core of her distinctive phenomenology of the body, which theorizes the body's relationship with others, the city, and technology.

Through her writing, Acker challenged societal norms and expectations, offering a subversive and provocative perspective on gender, sexuality, and power. She explored the complexities of human relationships, the intersections of race, class, and culture, and the complexities of the human condition. Acker's work is characterized by its raw honesty, its willingness to confront taboos, and its commitment to challenging the status quo.

In "Philosophy for Spiders," Wark delves deep into Acker's life and work, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of her literary achievements. He explores her early influences, her struggles with mental illness, and her contributions to the punk and feminist movements. Wark also examines Acker's use of language, her experimental writing style, and her exploration of the body and its boundaries.

One of the most striking aspects of Acker's writing is her ability to create complex and multifaceted characters. Her characters are often marginalized or oppressed, but they are also fiercely independent and resilient. They are complex and nuanced, with their own desires, fears, and vulnerabilities. Acker's characters are often portrayed as survivors, navigating the complexities of a society that often seeks to marginalize them.

Through her writing, Acker also addressed important social and political issues of her time. She was a vocal advocate for the rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities. She used her writing to challenge the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuated inequality and discrimination.

In conclusion, Kathy Acker is a literary icon whose contributions to American literature are immeasurable. Through her diverse range of writing styles and her commitment to challenging the status quo, Acker has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Her work continues to inspire and challenge readers today, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow for generations to come.

\n Weight: 320g\n
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781478014683\n \n