Product Description

Everything that makes Will Self' s fiction so arresting and original is in evidence here in this collection of his best articles, book reviews, and interviews from the "Observer", the "Guardian", the "Independent", the "Evening Standard", and many more. Whether describing penis operations, narcotics or merely pondering the nature of slacking, these pieces are as witty and acerbic as one would expect from one of our foremost contemporary satirists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #188820 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Review
'His prose crackles with wit' Independent 'An explosive collection' J. G. Ballard, Guardian 'Self's gifts as stylist and satirist are amply revealed ... we finally get the undivided Self in all his maddening brilliance' Spectator 'Each of the essays in this collection of journalism and cartoons provides a hit of intravenous prose, a rush of silly and psychedelic excitement ... like De Quincy before him, he is "twitching away the decent drapery" to reveal something darker, deeper and altogether more funny' Observer

J. G. Ballard, Guardian
‘An explosive collection’

Spectator
‘We finally get the undivided Self in all his maddening brilliance’

Customer Reviews

Clever, funny and interesting
I admire Will Self. I sometimes imagine that, had I immersed myself in literature and drugs rather than science, I would now be able to write like he does. I suspect a lot of other people feel the same way, but the fact is none of us can, and never really even stood a chance. While not necessarily Self's best book (I prefer his fiction), it's probably the best vehicle for his intellect. He uses his broad vocabulary with spare, erudite precision - the result is easy and relaxing to read. He tackles controversial and emotionally-fraught topics - the result is thought-provoking, humane and sensible, while also being humourous and unconventional.

a not so clean but still mean writing machine...
This is a collection of Self's journalism from what can only be described as his 'drug' period. This doesn't affect in the slightest the sharpness of his observations and the wit laced with intellect with which he conyeys his ideas. There are books reviews, articles on visits to crack dens, english prisons, essays (on everything from cryonicists, satanic cults, the state of english culture...) as well as amusing tales of pub conversation on the Orkney Isles and flying 1st class on Virgin Airways...At the back of the book are fascinating conversations between Self and other greats of modern fiction such as Martin Amis and JG Ballard, fascinating that is, if you can keep up with the fluency and ease they discuss ideas on literature etc...The only thing Junk Mail has over his other collection of mainstream journalism Feeding Frenzy, is that the articles are less clipped and the depth of Self's thought is allowed to roam in an less restrained manner. Hilarious, engaging, perceptive and sometimes irreverant - this comes highly recommended.

Open your mind to transmogrification...
I'm too excited to form coherent sentences here - how can I start? Okay, okay. Calm down... Right. Well. Let's start by saying that Will Self is somewhat accomplished in his art. How's that? No, that's a gross injustice; he is a master. He can write to beat the devil... he is swift, witty, brutal, soft, honest and ever-expanding in scope and meaning.

To be honest, the subjects of his intensely readable scribblings are - in themselves - reason enough to purchase this book. There are inspirational passages on Beat writer William S. Burroughs, notes on the 'sick, sick bastard' Bret Easton Ellis, the outspoken Damien Hurst, conversations with such literary greats as J.G. Ballard and Martin Amis. *gasps for breath* Heck, not to mention notes on penis operations, Woody Allen's complete prose, the benefits and drawbacks of slacking ('Slack Attack') and other amusing and resonant pieces.

One Amazon reviewer wrote that reading Will Self makes them want to write themselves. I completely assent. Never have I wanted to be so witty, amusing and yet practical and functional at the same time before... Heck, maybe I should stop writing this twoddle and go find my pen right now!

Oh, and I recommend the book - by the way.