Comments on: Dandy in the Underworld by Sebastian Horsley

By: anitadalton

anitadalton — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:53:14 +0000

Oh, Felix, I felt sort of… bereft when I learned Sebastian had died. It was a weird feeling because his memoir soured for me, but, at the same time, I got the feeling he liked his bad press because he took nothing seriously, let alone himself.

I think that some people question Seb’s dandyism because he was so very dark at times. Even though he spells out that he was a dandy in hell, and even though most dandies were quite dark behind the curtain, we expect those who espouse that certain Edwardian flair to be… happy? Jocular? I don’t know, but I’ve had several people remark that he was more a goth than a dandy. Perceptions vary, I suppose.

Regardless of how I felt about this book, I think the world is a far less interesting place without him.

http://ireadoddbooks.com/sebastian-horsley-god-speed-you-black-dandy/

By: anitadalton

anitadalton — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:44:32 +0000

Oh, Sebastian wasn’t stupid. He was just over-the-top to the point that such extremity led him into tiresome, ornate nihilism, as insane as that may sound. Given his excesses, I can see how his dandyism could get lost in translation.

When you read some of the books I have discussed, I’d love to know what you thought about them. Sky Ryan freaks me out. After I posted one of the Goad discussions, I had a series of bizarre e-mails from someone who gave odd information about her and made all kinds of strange claims (and who the hell knows who sent them) and they left a weird taste in my mouth.

I have read Carver’s Drugs are Nice. I’ve also read a few of her articles on nerve.com. Her writing largely appeals to me, and that she made out with gg allin just squares the deal where she’s concerned. ;)

By: Felix

Felix — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:07:27 +0000

Two things, firstly Sebastian Horsely may have been vile, immoral and fake but he was definately not stupid. Secondly Sebastian was the definition of a modern day dandy (A man who affects extreme elegance in clothes and manners) So please if you are going to criticise the man at least have the courtesy to get your facts right and spell his name correctly!
In my opinion it is one of the best memoirs I have read in ages. Sadly Sebastian passed a way last June and I doubt we will ever see or hear of someone quite like him again

By: Giselle

Giselle — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:49:17 +0000

I totally agree with your review. That book seemed promising but ended up sucking. That Sebastien guy was stupid. He didn’t even know what the word “dandy” meant.

I’m really enjoying your website by the way! I’m going to try to find more of the books on your list.

I liked the Jim Goad books. I too have been trying to find more info on Sky Ryan. If you can find a copy of the zine “Hellraiser Homemaker” she wrote some articles for it that are Hilarious.

Have you read anything by Lisa Carver? You would love her.

By: anitadalton

anitadalton — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:59:34 +0000

I did a Google after reading this comment and I feel incredibly sad. I don’t exactly revise my opinion of Horsley’s status as an artist, but I don’t have to recreate him as a great writer or artist in order to claim that the world is less interesting with him gone.

Fuck. A heroin overdose. Oh, Sebastian. I tend to agree with the assessment that it was indeed an overdose and not suicide. I too think he would never have overlooked the opportunity to leave a lollapalooza of a suicide note.

By: James

James — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:20:56 +0000

Sadly Sebastian Horsley has died in London of an overdose. This book is therefore his epitaph and I would say a very fine one. He was eccentric but hugely witty in the way only a mildly depressed person can be.

Check him out on YouTube, then read the book, you will appreciate it more that way. RIP.

By: anitadalton

anitadalton — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:38:13 +0000

Hey, thanks for the rec’s, Condreye. I am socially aware that Quentin Crisp existed, and mainly know him as the man who said, “There was no need to do any housework at all. After the first four years the dirt doesn’t get any worse.” I have had _The Naked Civil Servant_ on my radar but have not read it yet, for whatever reason.

Was completely unaware of Dickon Edwards and found his blog. Looks like it’s gonna be a hoot, in a very good way.

COOL! I love it when I am pointed to new, odd horizons! Thanks again!

By: condreye buch

condreye buch — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:00:30 +0000

Horsley’s self promotion succeeded in eradicating any trace of curiousity about his book. I much prefer Quentin Crisp ( The Naked Civil Servant) and Dickon Edwards ( he has a blog, noy sure if he’s published a book0.

By: anitadalton

anitadalton — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:10:09 +0000

Oh, would you like to marry me?
I’ll have to buy the ring.
‘Cause Mark Bolen’s dead and can’t buy anything.

JAI CHEEZ WHIZ!

By: LOUISXVI

LOUISXVI — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:40:30 +0000

I WANT TO MARRY!

MRS HORSLEY IS WAITING.

JAI HOMME!!