Eily – Austin Spare’s Muse by Dr William Wallace
In this multi-faceted book, Dr Wallace analyses Austin Osman Spare’s debt to Theatre, Shakespeare, the Classics, Lewis Carroll and Nietzsche. At the centre of this literary and philosophical orbit is the artist’s wife. From ‘The Arcadians’ chorus line to Spare’s life-model, Eily Shaw is brought out of the shadows for the first time and her influence upon Spare’s art and life is measured. There is no doubt that for a very short time she became his muse; during which he produced The Book of Pleasure.
Reproduced for the first time is a drawing intended for The Book of Pleasure, and a section revolves around notions the irrational and laughter implicit to Spare’s magnum opus. There is also an assessment of Spare’s Tarot deck, revealing his early awareness of Alchemical symbolism.
Now at the printers, the standard edition should be available from November, deluxe almost sold out…