Snapshot

Thus Spake the Corpse is a collection of essays and poems that resurrect the spirit of the infamous anti-literary magazine Exquisite Corpse

This anthology brings together some of the most vibrant and eclectic voices of America's avant-garde, showcasing their rebellion, passion, and polemic

Through this compilation, editors Andrei Codrescu and Laura Rosenthal offer a glimpse into the stormy decade of the magazine's existence.

The world & setup

Exquisite Corpse, the magazine, was a product of its time, emerging in a decade marked by social upheaval and cultural transformation

The magazine's name, inspired by Surrealism, reflects its commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms

As a platform, it provided a space for writers and artists to express themselves freely, without the constraints of traditional literary expectations

This anthology, Thus Spake the Corpse, is a testament to the magazine's enduring legacy, featuring contributions from notable figures such as Carl Rakosi, James Purdy, and Robert Creeley.

Plot in act / chapter beats

The anthology is not structured around a linear narrative, but rather as a collection of discrete pieces that reflect the diverse voices and styles of the contributing authors

The essays and poems are arranged in a way that creates a sense of dialogue and conversation, with each piece building upon or responding to the ones that precede it

For example, Joel Oppenheimer's poems may be seen as a reflection on the human condition, while Tom Clark's contributions offer a more satirical take on contemporary culture

The lack of a traditional narrative structure allows the reader to engage with the material in a non-linear fashion, dipping in and out of the various essays and poems as they see fit.

Characters that matter and how they change

While the anthology does not feature traditional characters, the contributing authors themselves can be seen as characters in the sense that their unique voices and perspectives are on full display

Through their writing, we see glimpses of their personalities, passions, and preoccupations

For instance, the poet Carl Rakosi is revealed as a master of concise, evocative language, while James Purdy emerges as a bold and unflinching chronicler of the human condition

As we read through the anthology, we witness the authors' ideas and styles evolving over time, reflecting the changing cultural and social landscape of their era.

Themes & ideas

The themes and ideas presented in Thus Spake the Corpse are as diverse as the contributors themselves

However, certain common threads emerge, including a rejection of mainstream culture and a desire to challenge conventional norms and expectations

Many of the pieces in the anthology grapple with issues of identity, politics, and social justice, reflecting the tumultuous decade in which they were written. The power of language is another recurring theme, with many authors experimenting with form and style to push the boundaries of what is possible in poetry and prose.

Style & voice

The style and voice of the anthology are characterized by their eclecticism and diversity

From the lyrical precision of Joel Oppenheimer's poems to the biting satire of Tom Clark's essays, each contributor brings their unique voice and perspective to the table

The editors, Andrei Codrescu and Laura Rosenthal, have done an admirable job of curating a selection of pieces that showcase the best of the Exquisite Corpse magazine, while also providing a sense of cohesion and flow

The result is an anthology that is both challenging and rewarding, inviting readers to engage with the material on multiple levels.

Closing read

Thus Spake the Corpse is a fascinating and thought-provoking anthology that offers a glimpse into the vibrant and eclectic world of America's avant-garde

Through its diverse collection of essays and poems, the book provides a unique window into the cultural and social upheaval of a bygone era

While some readers may find the material challenging or even confrontational at times, the anthology's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms is ultimately refreshing and invigorating

As a testament to the enduring legacy of the Exquisite Corpse magazine, Thus Spake the Corpse is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, art, and culture.