In 'The Bloody Chamber,' Angela Carter weaves a tapestry of dark fairy tales, where innocence is juxtaposed with the macabre. A young bride discovers the sinister secrets of her new husband and the hidden truths of desire and violence. As she navigates through a world of seductive danger and eerie enchantment, her journey explores the complexity of female identity and empowerment. Each story within the collection serves as a haunting reimagining of classic myths, revealing layers of meaning beneath their surface. Prepare to be captivated by a rich narrative that lingers long after the final page.
By Angela Carter
Published: 2015
"The doors of the Bloody Chamber are locked, for the inside to be revealed is to encounter the darkness of desire and the light of truth."
For the 75th anniversary of her birth, a Deluxe Edition of the master of the literary supernatural’s most celebrated book—featuring a new introduction by Kelly Link Angela Carter was a storytelling sorceress, the literary godmother of Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, Audrey Niffenegger, J. K. Rowling, Kelly Link, and other contemporary masters of supernatural fiction. In her masterpiece, The Bloody Chamber—which includes the story that is the basis of Neil Jordan’s 1984 movie The Company of Wolves—she spins subversively dark and sensual versions of familiar fairy tales and legends like “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Bluebeard,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” giving them exhilarating new life in a style steeped in the romantic trappings of the gothic tradition. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The doors of the Bloody Chamber are locked, for the inside to be revealed is to encounter the darkness of desire and the light of truth.”
The Bloody Chamber
By Angela Carter
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Angela Carter (1940–1992) was a renowned British author known for her groundbreaking contributions to feminist literature and magical realism. Her notable works include 'The Bloody Chamber,' a collection of reimagined fairy tales that explore themes of sexuality and power, and 'Nights at the Circus,' which blends fantasy and realism through the story of a circus performer with wings. Carter's writing is characterized by rich, poetic language and an exploration of the grotesque, often subverting traditional narratives to challenge societal norms.
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In a dystopian future where books are banned and 'firemen' burn any that are found, protagonist Guy Montag grapples with his role in this oppressive society. As he encounters a free-spirited young woman who opens his eyes to a world of ideas, Montag begins to question the very fabric of his life. The thrill of rebellion ignites within him, urging him to seek truth and freedom. But in a world so committed to censorship and control, will he find the courage to follow his new beliefs? 'Fahrenheit 451' weaves a haunting tale of individualism versus conformity, sparking a fiery debate about the value of literature in our lives.
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