Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery

Jeanette Winterson argues in this collection for the importance of art in all our lives. In ten intertwined essays, the acclaimed author of such recent novels as Written on the Body and Art & Lies proposes art as an active force in the world - neither elitist nor remote, available to those who want it and affecting even those who don't. An act of courage and effrontery, a uniquely human endeavor that defies time and differences, art offers new realities, emotions and worlds to anyone prepared to meet the demands it places on us. Art objects to the lie that life is small, fragmented and mean. Art objects to the myth of inevitable decay. Winterson's eloquent vision of objecting, transforming, exuberant art is presented in pieces on painting, autobiography, style and the future of fiction. She also declares her admiration for Modernism and examines the writing of Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot and Gertrude Stein. More personally, she confronts the current fascination with the writer's life or sexuality instead of the work itself, and describes her relationship to her own fiction.

Review :
"Jeanette Winterson is one of Britain's brightest alternative literary lights. Her quirky, madly poetic prose has won her a loyal cult following and a lot of respect from the mainstream. --H.J.Kirchhoff, "The Globe and Mail "Thrilling, persuasive, challenging and written with a skill and beauty entirely shorn of artifice...Should be bought, read, re-read and read out loud as often as possible." --"The Edmonton Journal "Brilliant essays, the finest I=ve read in years, a wonderful, timely endorsement of what art is and what it isn't. In 10 separate ways, from 10 different angles, she takes clear, intelligent aim at the modern wish that art be less arty, and more entertaining; that art be easier for people to chew and quickly digest...Should be required reading." --"The Ottawa Citizen "It is invigorating to read these essays by a woman who believes in art, full stop." --"The Globe and Mail "A delight...I find Winterson an invigorating critic, as well as an exhilarating literary soul mate...At a time when literary commentary is bogged down by dense, impenetrable post-modern and post-structuralist twaddle," Art Objects...offers itself as a breath of fresh thought and fresh expression." --"Kitchener-Waterloo Record "Brilliant, challenging, funny, highly personal." --"Family Practice "A witty, reasoned look at the power of, and our powerful need for, all forms of art." --"The Ottawa Citizen "A book of essays to set your intellect on fire." Bruce Powe, "The Financial Post "Potent.... Part soulful meditation and part fiery manifesto.... Ms. Winterson is a passionate writer.... Hers is a book born of a restless, uncompromising intelligence and a life ofpracticing what she preaches, of taking the kind of artistic risks she so fiercely espouses." --"The New York Times Book Review " "Winterson is in fine form in these essays about art, arguing, admonishing, infuriating, teasing...She fights solemnly, beguilingly, for ecstasy and silence and the revival of our ability to contemplate...She says much that is important about energy and passion. Her stalwart defence of the modern is a challenge to the barrenness and niggliness with which we live." --"The Observer, U.K." "There is no denying the beauty and precision of her writing, nor the clarity of her expression...On her heroines -- Stein, Woolf, Eliot, books themselves -- she is particularly strong and passionate. Through it all, a central theme occurs: that art, true art, is and will remain a vital force, without which life is scarcely worthy of the name." --"Time Out, U.K. "From the Trade Paperback edition.