The Honest Broker

The Honest Broker

The Vault

Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Ted Gioia's avatar
Ted Gioia
Jan 01, 2000
∙ Paid

Let’s start by comparing three books.

In 1954, a British author published a novel (later turned into a successful film) about young men who adopt strange, ritualistic behavior and engage in savage acts of random violence. William Golding's The Lord of the Flies was considered a fabulistic allegory.

In 1962, another British author published a novel (later …

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Ted Gioia.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Ted Gioia · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture