A Life in Pieces: Reflections on Alexander Trocchi

by Allan Campbell (Editor), Tim Niel (Editor), Patti Smith (Contributor)

This biography attempts to portray the many sides to Alexander Trocchi's personality through the words and memories of some of those who interacted with Trocchi during his lifetime. Contributors range 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[MJ Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

My fascination with the failures and successes of transgressive Scots writer A. Trocchi reaches its endpoint with this inventive festschrift. Containing recollections from all the huge names his existential and pornographical novels touched (Patti Smith, William Burroughs, Leonard Cohen), the story of Trocchi’s turbulent, disastrous, intellectually daring, and ultimately fairly depressing and sad existence, is as fascinating as his two novels of note, Young Adam and Cain’s Book. This book contains excerpts from Cain’s Book and material from the Trocchi reader, so acts partly as a primer, however, the Trocchi Youth Team should find the broad swathe of figures represented here satisfying. As a “last word” on Trocchi (no books about him have been published since), this is a splendid and riveting book.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that it matters anymore...but I was Nick's American girlfriend. I was completing lost after he commited suicide. I have many cards from him, even a recording of a phone conversation that we had in '85. I also have his suicide letter and another letter to all of us "left behind". He was my first love and for him to have suffered the way he did, considering the cond...itions he endured...it pains me to this day.

I was in the U.K. in 2000. I was able to meet Sally Childs and play that cassette for her, which she enjoyed. I have lost touch of Sally; I believe she's moved back to New Zealand. While in London, I also met a mate of his, David Downie.

Such a loss...Alex, Lyn (whose mother, Betsy Hicks, attended the church that my father was the interim pastor at), Mark and Nick. It was all too much for Nick..I know that now. Anyway, I am on Facebook if you want to chat. Peace.

[Jason Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent selection of pieces by and about Trocchi.