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Lanark
A Life in Four Books
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Check link for latest rating. ( 7,726 ratings, 759 reviews)
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See more40th anniversary commemorative hardback edition of the modern classic, introduced by William Boyd.
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Description
40th anniversary edition
Probably the greatest novel of the century - Observer
Lanark, a modern vision of hell set in the disintegrating cities of Unthank and Glasgow, tells the interwoven stories of Lanark and Duncan Thaw. A work of extraordinary imagination, its playful narrative conveys a profound message, both personal and political, about humankind's inability to love, and yet our compulsion to go on trying.
First published in 1981, Lanark established Alasdair Gray as one of Britain's leading writers and kickstarted the modern renaissance of Scottish literature.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Regarded as a landmark of twentieth-century fiction, Lanark is praised for its imaginative scope and its significant impact on Scottish literature, often credited with initiating a literary renaissance in Scotland. Critics highlight its vibrant, often paradoxical toneβboth exuberant and despairingβas it explores themes of societal decay with humour and clarity. The bookβs influence is noted for reshaping the literary landscape, making Grayβs work accessible to a wide audience through its straightforward prose, while still offering a rich, imaginative journey.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781838852900
Publisher: Canongate Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 18 February 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Canongate Books
Edition: Main
Illustration: Integrated black and white illustrations
Contributors:
- Introduction by William Boyd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 49.0mm
Width: 162.0mm
Height: 240.0mm
Weight: 854g
Pages: 592
About the Author
Born in 1934, Alasdair Gray graduated in design and mural painting from the Glasgow School of Art. Since 1981, when Lanark was published by Canongate, he authored, designed and illustrated seven novels, several books of short stories, a collection of his stage, radio and TV plays and a book of his visual art, A Life in Pictures. In November 2019, he received a Lifetime Achievement award by the Saltire Society. He died in December 2019, aged eighty-five.
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