Includes bibliographical references and index.

Angela Carter's vision -- Dark play: the magic toyshop -- Surrealist visions: the infernal desire machines of Doctor Hoffman -- Modern mythologies: the passion of new Eve -- Tradition reimagined: the bloody chamber and other stories -- Beyond gravity: nights at the circus -- Mirror identities: wise children.

"Angela Carter, a prolific author who worked in numerous genres, remains one of the most important British writers of the last century. This text explores a selection of Carter's novels and short stories, supplemented with her perspectives on politics, society, aesthetics, and her attempts to redefine established popular genres such as the fairy tale"--Provided by publisher.