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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

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 typically 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 psyche. Acker's work is characterized by its raw honesty, its willingness to confront taboos, and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

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 feminist and punk movements. Wark also examines Acker's use of language, her experimental writing techniques, and her exploration of the body and its relation to otherness.

One of the most striking aspects of Acker's writing is her ability to create complex and multifaceted characters. Her protagonists are often marginalized or oppressed, but they are also fiercely independent and resilient. They are survivors who have learned to navigate the complexities of the world and to find meaning and purpose in their lives, even in the face of adversity.

Acker's work also addresses the power of language and the ways in which it can be used to subvert and challenge dominant narratives. She plays with language, creating new meanings and metaphors that challenge our assumptions and broaden our understanding of the world. Acker's use of humor, irony, and surrealism adds depth and complexity to her writing, making it both accessible and thought-provoking.

In addition to her literary contributions, Acker was also a prominent feminist and activist. She was a founding member of the feminist punk band The Cockettes and was involved in various social and political movements throughout her life. Acker's activism was rooted in her belief in the power of art to transform society and to challenge oppressive systems of power.

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

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478013754