With Tony Wailey
Step into the world of James Hanley, the ‘neglected genius of the novel,’ and discover why his powerful work remains overlooked by so many. Despite his impressive canon of over 35 books and 28 radio plays, Hanley's writing was banned by the British Establishment under Obscenity Laws, putting him in the same category as banned works like Howl by Allen Ginsberg and Lady Chatterley's Lover by DH Lawrence.
But Hanley's writing was not just controversial - it was ground-breaking. He refused to compromise on his Anarchic vision, shining a light on power relationships and featuring working-class characters for over 50 years. His impact was so significant that even Nobel prize winner William Faulkner could not help but praise his "good clean cyclone" of language.
So why has Hanley been so overlooked? Join us for a session of talks and films that delve into the reasons behind this neglect. Was Hanley just another angry scouser, or was his uncompromising vision simply too challenging for the literary establishment? Come find out and celebrate the legacy of this remarkable writer at our festival.
Writer Tony Wailey, a lifelong fan of the work of James Hanley, and George Ditton, an undergraduate at Edge Hill University, have created a short film focusing on Hanley’s Liverpool roots, which will be screened at the event.
Tony Wailey is a prolific author with a diverse body of work spanning eight books, including compact novels and three volumes of poetry. As a former seafarer himself, Tony’s writing reflects on the international character of the coastal metropolis. Alongside Steve Higginson, Wailey co-authored the seminal book Edgy Cities in 2006, which explored Liverpool's historical connections with global migration and cultural exchange. In 2017, he contributed to the editorial team that published George Garrett's autobiography, Ten years on the Parish. Wailey's current writing delves into the interplay between personal family history and the significance of place.
Event part of WoWFest 23 - for more, visit writingonthewall.org.uk
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