"The seed of death is the most bitter and beautiful of all."

August 1, 2015 3:17 PM

The Last Days of Kathy Acker by Jason McBride. Mathias Viegener, the friend who stayed with the author during her final month, also wrote an account of her passing called Cannibal Acker. Shortly after her death, her friend Peter Wollen wrote an obituary, Death (and Life) of the Author.
posted by Kattullus (6 comments total)

*Burroughs voice*

"Reflecting on life concerning its inalienable propensity for space and the unmovable desire for art, the more I read Kathy Acker, the more I don't know shit"
posted by clavdivs at 4:01 PM on August 1, 2015 [5 favorites]

My first book of hers was Hannibal Lecter, My Father. It introduced me to a whole new world.
posted by Splunge at 4:29 PM on August 1, 2015 [2 favorites]

I haven't read all of her books, but the ones I have read I have really enjoyed. They are not easy, but for me they were very rewarding.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:01 PM on August 1, 2015 [3 favorites]

Bodies of Work is on my nightstand right now.

I think about Empire of the Senseless probably every day— 

For a while, it was this quote on my mind: GET RID OF MEANING. YOUR MIND IS A NIGHTMARE THAT HAS BEEN EATING YOU: NOW EAT YOUR MIND.

Other days it's been "Now the mad bird has won. Now even criminals can fly."

Since I was introduced to Kathy Acker, I've never been the same. Her writing helps me stay strong in dark times.

Thanks for the post.
posted by doteatop at 5:01 PM on August 1, 2015 [3 favorites]

Oh man, I miss this lady. I knew her in the last few years of her life. We last hung out in Seattle at Elliot Bay Books post one of her readings. She told me she was on her way to Mexico, but not why. When I eventually got the phone call it was crushing. No more challenging Kathy. No more provoking Kathy. No more sweet as could be Kathy. No more generous, flirty, let me introduce you to all the underground luminaries you've been reading about Kathy. I still miss her all the time.
posted by artof.mulata at 5:32 PM on August 1, 2015 [12 favorites]

I adore Kathy Acker. Thank you for this.
posted by thivaia at 5:06 AM on August 2, 2015 [1 favorite]