Shaking a Leg

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 <p/> One of contemporary literature's most original and affecting fiction writers Angela Carter also wrote brilliant nonfiction. <i>Shaking a Leg</i> 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 <i>Gone with the Wind</i> 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. <p/> What a wonderful collection--sharp funny too decent for sarcasm but great wit <i>and</i> humanity an unusual combination. But it makes us miss her miss laughing <i>with</i> her that real intelligent tough writing woman.--Grace Paley