The Literary Psychogeography of London: Otherworlds of Alan Moore, Peter Ackroyd, and Iain Sinclair

This Pivot book explores how Alan Moore, Peter Ackroyd, and Iain Sinclair represent London-ness through literary elements of urban topography. Ann Tso argues that they write London "psychogeographically" to deconstruct popular visions of London with colonial and neoliberal undertones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating Pivot book delves into the literary aspects of urban topography, exploring how it has inspired the representations of London by Alan Moore, Peter Ackroyd, and Iain Sinclair. Ann Tso argues that these authors employ a psychogeographical approach to deconstruct prevalent visions of London, revealing underlying colonial and neoliberal undertones. Moore's psychogeography showcases birds-eye views that expose the menacing force threatening to unravel London's landscape from within, while Ackroyd aims to perceive London sensually, as each new awareness evokes an otherworldly version of the city. Sinclair's narrative consciousness is disrupted by London's fragmented landscape, creating a sense of estrangement. Tso skillfully combines dystopian, phenomenological, and postcolonial elements to examine how these texts define "London-ness" as a peculiar and unsettling experience.

Introduction:
The city of London has long captivated the imagination of writers, artists, and thinkers alike. Its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks have inspired countless works of literature, art, and film. In recent years, a growing interest in urban topography has emerged, as scholars and writers explore the ways in which the physical landscape shapes and influences the narratives and characters of cities. This Pivot book examines the literary elements of urban topography that have animated the representations of London by Alan Moore, Peter Ackroyd, and Iain Sinclair.

Alan Moore's Psychogeography:
Alan Moore is a renowned comic book writer and artist who is best known for his work on "The Watchmen" and "V for Vendetta." His portrayal of London in these works is characterized by a combination of dystopian and surreal elements. Moore's psychogeography consists of birds-eye views that reveal the brute force threatening to unravel London's landscape from within. These views depict a city that is in decline, with abandoned buildings, decaying infrastructure, and a sense of chaos and disorder. Moore's London is a place where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred, and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Peter Ackroyd's Sensual London:
Peter Ackroyd is a historian and author who has written extensively about London's history and culture. His portrayal of London in his works is characterized by a sense of sensuality and longing. Ackroyd aims to detect London sensuously, since every new awareness recalls an otherworldly London. He explores the city's hidden corners, its secret gardens, and its hidden histories, creating a vivid and sensory experience for his readers. Ackroyd's London is a place where the past and present collide, and where the ordinary is made extraordinary by the city's rich cultural heritage.

Iain Sinclair's Narrative Consciousness:
Iain Sinclair is a writer and filmmaker who has written extensively about London's urban landscape. His portrayal of London in his works is characterized by a sense of disunity and fragmentation. Sinclair conjures up a narrative consciousness made erratic by London's disunified landscape. His characters navigate through a city that is divided by streets, buildings, and transportation systems, creating a sense of confusion and disorientation. Sinclair's London is a place where the past and present are constantly in flux, and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary by the city's complex and ever-changing landscape.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Pivot book has explored the literary elements of urban topography that have animated the representations of London by Alan Moore, Peter Ackroyd, and Iain Sinclair. Ann Tso has argued that these authors write London "psychogeographically" to deconstruct popular visions of London with colonial and neoliberal undertones. Moore's psychogeography consists of birds-eye views that reveal the brute force threatening to unravel London's landscape from within, while Ackroyd aims to perceive London sensually, as each new awareness evokes an otherworldly version of the city. Sinclair's narrative consciousness is disrupted by London's fragmented landscape, creating a sense of estrangement. Tso skillfully combines dystopian, phenomenological, and postcolonial elements to examine how these texts define "London-ness" as a peculiar and unsettling experience. As we continue to explore the relationship between urban topography and literature, we can expect to see more innovative and thought-provoking works that challenge our understanding of cities and their inhabitants.

Weight: 183g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030529826
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020