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From Stephen Elliott
I can imagine complaining along these lines in an editorial meeting at a British publishing house, and being sighed at: “Yes, of course the 1960s cover is beautiful – I love it – but Waterstones and Tesco won’t stock it.”
At the London Review of Books‘ blog, Fatema Ahmed takes a critical look at the cover of a new edition of The Bell Jar, which depicts a woman applying makeup.
...moreHow much of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is autobiographical, and how much is fictional?
Is her unflinching exploration of suicidal depression more meaningful if it’s a record of real life or if it’s invented?
The Guardian tackles these questions (and posts a fun, short video interview with the designer of the book’s original cover).
...more“It’s always interesting when a very strange book is also an enduringly popular book.”
This Poetry Foundation essay is appreciating The Bell Jar, which is embarking on its 40th year of publication. Initially unnoticed for its literary prowess in Britain, it’s been sustainably successful here, and most likely had a profound presence during your teenage years.
...more