The Public Image

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The Public Image
PublicImage.JPG
First edition (UK)
Author Muriel Spark
Cover artistRenate Belina [1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Publisher Macmillan (UK)
Knopf (US)
Publication date
1968
Media typePrint
Pages192
ISBN 0-333-09018-7

The Public Image is a novel published in 1968 by Scottish author Muriel Spark and shortlisted for the Booker Prize the following year. [2]

It is set in Rome and concerns Annabel Christopher, an up-and-coming film actress. Annabel carefully cultivates her image to keep her career on course, managing to mask her lack of talent. Her husband Frederick loathes her manipulations and her inexplicable success. He plans his final revenge on her accordingly.

The novel's title was the basis for the name of the post-punk band Public Image Ltd. (PiL) formed by John Lydon after the break up of the Sex Pistols. [3]

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References

  1. "1969 Man Booker Prize. Winner: Something to Answer For by P.H. Newby". www.middlemiss.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  2. "The Public Image". Booker Prize . Archived from the original on 12 October 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2008.
  3. "PiL Chronology: 1978" by Karsten Roekens & Scott M, Fodderstompf.com, 2006.