Shaking a Leg: Collected Journalism and Writings

By Angela Carter

Book Overview

"An electrifying intellectual autobiography, with all the narrative expanse, drama, outrage, and high comedy of the author's fiction. Angela Carter is revealed here, anew, as one of the most important thinkers of twentieth-century world literature--and one of its most pungent voices."--Rick Moody

One of contemporary literature's most original and affecting fiction writers, Angela Carter also wrote brilliant nonfiction. Shaking a Leg comprises the best of her essays and criticism, much of it collected for the first time. Carter's acute observations are spiked with her piercing matter-of-factness, her devastating wit, her penchant for mockery, and her passion for the absurd. Whether discussing films or food, feminism or fantasy, science fiction or sex, Carter consistently explores new territories and overturns old ideas. No cultural icon escapes her scrutiny; as in her fiction, Carter offers glorious evidence of the transforming power of the imagination. From delightfully wicked commentaries on Gone with the Wind, a Japanese fertility festival, and fellow writers, including Lawrence, Lovecraft, Borges, and Burroughs, to enchanting personal essays, Carter shares her thoughts and herself with glee.

"What a wonderful collection--sharp, funny, too decent for sarcasm but great wit and humanity, an unusual combination. But it makes us miss her, miss laughing with her, that real, intelligent, tough writing woman."--Grace Paley

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140276955
• ISBN13: 9780140276954
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A showcase of Carter's literary talents

This anthology of Carter's writing contains essays that will make you laugh, make you angry, fascinate you, and educate you with the perspectives of a person who lived through times of authentic social change and the establishment's reaction to change. The reflections and arguments compiled in this book themselves comprise a valuable heirloom for any reader or writer interested in 20th century politics and culture. I have several favorites, like the uproariously satirical pieces on Linda Lovelace and D.H. Lawrence. There are also some illuminating essays on less known writers like Christina Stead and Bessie Head. Her investigational writings on Japanese culture are fascinating readings. Most compelling for me are the essays on the atomic/nuclear bomb, in which Carter expounds on the failure of reason against nuclear weapons. This anthology has something for everyone. I think in a way Carter was a writer's writer, but any reader can enjoy her work. Any fan of her truly gothic fiction will find the anthology informative and revealing with regards to Carter's personal ideology, feminist perspectives, and her inner values as a woman.

Must-have

Like everything Angela Carter ever wrote, her essays are precise, profound, lyrical and always always decidedly hers. The essays collected here overflow with Carter's humor and insight. Every page was a true pleasure to read.