What is a city? Do people make cities or do cities make people? And can cities have second lives? We all inhabit cities, but what do they mean to us? What do we mean to them? Is the city a real thing in the 21st century? How do we integrate their pasts to their futures? What are the threats facing cities in the western world? These are just some of the questions posed by the fascinating studies in this book. Through essays, poems, psychogeography, short stories, and more, an array of today’s leading writers and thinkers join together to look at cities in the western world. Focusing on the two former industrial heartlands of Glasgow and Pittsburgh, this international and diverse collection is asking the big questions and getting the most creative answers. From Will Self’s psychogeography of Glasgow, to National Book Award winner Terrance Hayes’ stunning poetry, this collection will make you think, feel, fear, and fight for what part cities play in our daily lives. Bold, diverse, and daring, these pieces are a must for anyone who cares about where we live and what it means to live in the urban sprawl of now. Featuring: Will Self, Jane Mccaffery, Edwin Morgan, Ewan Morrison, Terrance Hayes, Allan Wilson, Louise Welsh, Kapka Kassabova, Gerald Stern, Doug Johnstone, Lori Jagielka, Hilary Masters, David Kinloch, Yona Harvey, Sharon Dilworth, Lee Gutkind, Richard Wilson, and many more.
Will Self
Will Self is a British author known for his darkly comic and satirical novels that often explore themes of addiction, mental illness, and modern society. Some of his most notable works include "Cock and Bull," "My Idea of Fun," and "Umbrella." Self's writing style is characterized by his use of complex language, inventive wordplay, and experimental narrative techniques.
Self's contributions to literature include pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling and challenging readers to think critically about the world around them. His work has had a significant impact on the literary genre of contemporary fiction, inspiring other writers to take risks and explore unconventional narrative structures.
One of Self's most famous works is "Umbrella," a novel that received critical acclaim for its innovative use of stream-of-consciousness writing and its exploration of the effects of mental illness on a family. Will Self continues to be a prominent voice in contemporary literature, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and challenging readers to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
