Born in Glasgow in 1925, Alexander Trocchi had by the time of his death in 1984, cut a colourful swathe through many of the important post-war cultural movements both in Europe and America. Always a controversial figure, he has been variously described as a junkie, visionary, pimp, Scottish beat, literary outlaw, pornographer, philosopher, underground organiser and antique book collector.
A Life in Pieces attempts to portray the many sides to Trocchi's fascinating personality through the words and memories of some of those who interacted with Trocchi during his lifetime. The mix is eclectic, ranging from Patti Smith to Edwin Morgan, William Burroughs to Irvine Welsh, Leonard Cohen to Terry Southern, Jane Lougee Bryant to Allen Ginsberg, Ned Polsky to Marianne Faithful, Greil Marcus to Kit Lambert. Consequently the diversity of reflections helps to reader to build up a many layered picture of this complex and fascinating man.
Combined with these pieces are extracts taken from key essays by the man himself, including Invisible Insurrection of a Million Minds and Cain's Film and previously unpublished interviews. This is further complemented by extraordinary black and white photographs, many of which have never been seen before and which belong to Trocchi's last partner, Sally Child.
The Reviews
'Allan Campbell and Tim Niel capture beautifully his peers ambivalence toward Trocchi and his literary legacy'The Times
'gives some interesting perspectives on Trocchi'
The Scotsman
Paperback
256 pages
Price: £10.99
ISBN: 0862416809 Other editions
Tim Niel and Allan Campbell co-produced a BBC Bookmark on Alexander Trocchi, entitled A Life in Pieces, which was broadcast in May of 1996. This book arose out of the making of that program and their frustration at being able to use only a small portion of the research they did.
Allan Campbell also works as a journalist for Scotland on Sunday and was formerly 'The Duke' on Radio Forth's number one radio show.
Tim Neil has worked as a producer on many BBC programs.
Tim Niel and Allan Campbell co-produced for the BBC a Bookmark on Alexander Trocchi, also entitled A Life in Pieces, which was broadcast in May of 96. This book arose out of the making of that program and their frustration at being able to use only a small portion of the research they did.
Allan Campbell also works as a journalist for the Scotland on Sunday and was formerly "The Duke" on Radio Forth's number one radio show.
Tim Neil has worked on an extensive number of BBC programs as producer
