Gordon Burn's writing delves into the complex landscapes of modern fame, faded celebrity, and the pervasive influence of media on contemporary life. His work, spanning both fiction and non-fiction, often probes the darker facets of human nature, particularly within the realms of sport and true crime. He possessed a keen interest in infamous figures and cultural icons, dissecting their ascents and descents, and the profound impact of their public image. Burn's distinctive literary voice offers sharp insights into both individual psychology and societal dynamics.
The protagonist grapples with his role as a reporter covering a string of horrific murders and sex crimes. As he delves deeper into the stories, he begins to question whether he is merely an observer or if he is entangled in a more complex web of cause and effect, leading him to confront unsettling truths about his own involvement.
In one corner was Barry Hearn and his Romford Mafia - Davis, Taylor and Griffiths - and in the other were the bad boys - Higgins, White and Knowles - threatening the game's good name, and its earning potential.
Duncan Edwards played his first game for Manchester United at the age of fifteen and Walter Winterbottom, then England manager, called him 'the spirit of British football'. Then in February 1958 came Munich. Half a decade later George Best represented United reborn. 'El Beatle' of the European Cup in '68 and European Player of the Year;
It seemed the case of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper was finally closed when Peter Sutcliffe was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1981. But in the early 1980s, Gordon Burn spent three years living in Sutcliffe's home town of Bingley, researching his life.
In this controversial and seminal work of reportage, Gordon Burn reveals the strange inner dynamic of Fred and Rosemary West's relationship. Based on meticulous research, this dark history is told in a powerful, compelling narrative. With a new introduction by Benjamin Myers.
In a forensic dissection of Britain's souring landscape Gordon Burn tells the tale of Ray Cruddas, a light entertainer effecting a semi-dignified retreat from his fading career, who returns to the unnamed northern town of his youth.'Burn carves a tale of mutual dependence between two also-rans - Ray, once a successful Geordie comedian, and Jackie, an almost made-it boxer . . . It is a book about ageing, about the long haul between what you hoped your life might be and the acceptance of what it is - and about the loneliness of men.' Anna Raeburn, Jewish Chronicle
Damien Hirst is a highly controversial and influential artist, known for redefining modern art through provocative works and exhibitions. His installations, featuring a shark and animals preserved in formaldehyde, have made him a household name. In this candid autobiography, presented as a series of conversations, Hirst shares his unpredictable and often humorous insights on topics ranging from art and celebrity to sex. These intimate discussions are complemented by artwork from various stages of his career, all selected by Hirst himself. The book offers a glimpse into his upbringing in working-class northern England, his youthful escapades in pubs, and his contemplations on life, death, and the nature of fame in the art world. Hirst, a Turner Prize winner and a key figure in the Young British Artists movement, has garnered both acclaim and controversy throughout his career. His influence extends beyond art, impacting architects, designers, and the fashion industry. Engaging and well-illustrated, this autobiography is a significant event in the art world, promising to spark both debate and admiration.
