small white monkeys

Sophia Collins

small white monkeys is a fragmented essay, including poems and images, on self-expression, self-help and shame. Beginning with the image of the small white monkeys, the text examines the Collins's relationship with shame through a series of short studies on, amongst other things, cats, hair as a metonym for the self in poetry and fiction, and perceptions of sexual violence.

Made through research into Glasgow Women's Library's Archive Collections and Lending Library, small white monkeys incorporates material from the library's archives and the work of female creators past and present, including Anna Mendelssohn, Jean Rhys, Selima Hill, Adrian Piper, June Jordan, Denise Riley, Carolee Schneemann, Vahni Capildeo and Veronica Forrest-Thomson.

Sophie Collins grew up in North Holland and now lives in Edinburgh. This new second edition features an introduction by Helen Charman.