Body of Work

'A book celebrating a remarkably successful programme and rife with examples of valuable craft and life lessons' - Peter Ho Davies, The Guardian

An essential companion for young writers facing the long period of apprenticeship that lies ahead of them, Body of Work comprises over fifty pieces by writers connected with the Creative Writing programme at UEA.

From Malcolm Bradbury and Ian McEwan to Angela Carter, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anne Enright and Tracy Chevalier, authors enlighten and entertain with autobiographical essays that describe what it is like to be a student or teach on the course – and the excitements, disillusionments and possibilities of life as a professional writer.

Former visiting fellows at UEA including Paul Muldoon, Nam Le, John Boyne and Adam Mars-Jones recall their time there, or recount other situations that they have encountered in the course of being an author. Also included are contributions that clarify problems across the whole field of literary composition, through a mixture of practical advice, personal testimony and critical perspective.

Finally, a series of appreciations and obituaries revisits authors associated with UEA, such as Angus Wilson; Lorna Sage; and W.G. Sebald, whose literary art and personal example continue to provide inspiration for those who follow.