Smallcreep's Day
Encyclopedia
Smallcreep's Day is Peter Currell Brown
's only novel and was first published by Victor Gollancz Ltd
in 1965. The story is a surreal satire on modern industrial life.
The central character Pinquean Smallcreep works in the slotting section of a vast and labyrinthine factory and has done so for years. He becomes curious about the purpose of the pulley that he puts the slots in and one day, having become obsessed by an idea, leaves his machine and goes exploring through the strange world of his factory. On a quest to find meaning in his monotonous existence, Smallcreep experiences many surreal and disturbing situations. Each scene explores some of the author’s ideas about human relationships, freedom and the value of human life. Some of the scenes are hilarious, some depressing and some macabre. The final two pages are taken up with a powerful vision of the futility of factory work and a passionate cry for the lost dignity of the craftsman.
The book went out of print in the 1970s, but was re-issued by Pinter & Martin in September 2008. In the February 2009 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, science fiction writer and critic Lawrence Person calls it "a bitter, didactic, bracing novel."
Smallcreep's Day was the inspiration for the album of the same name
by Genesis
bassist Mike Rutherford
, released in 1980.
Peter Currell Brown
Peter Currell Brown is the author of the cult classic 1965 surrealist novel, Smallcreep's Day.He was born in Colchester, Essex, and went to Colchester Royal Grammar School, which he left at fifteen...
's only novel and was first published by Victor Gollancz Ltd
Victor Gollancz Ltd
Victor Gollancz Ltd was a major British book publishing house of the twentieth century. It was founded in 1927 by Victor Gollancz and specialised in the publication of high quality literature, nonfiction and popular fiction, including science fiction. Upon Gollancz's death in 1967, ownership...
in 1965. The story is a surreal satire on modern industrial life.
The central character Pinquean Smallcreep works in the slotting section of a vast and labyrinthine factory and has done so for years. He becomes curious about the purpose of the pulley that he puts the slots in and one day, having become obsessed by an idea, leaves his machine and goes exploring through the strange world of his factory. On a quest to find meaning in his monotonous existence, Smallcreep experiences many surreal and disturbing situations. Each scene explores some of the author’s ideas about human relationships, freedom and the value of human life. Some of the scenes are hilarious, some depressing and some macabre. The final two pages are taken up with a powerful vision of the futility of factory work and a passionate cry for the lost dignity of the craftsman.
The book went out of print in the 1970s, but was re-issued by Pinter & Martin in September 2008. In the February 2009 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, science fiction writer and critic Lawrence Person calls it "a bitter, didactic, bracing novel."
Smallcreep's Day was the inspiration for the album of the same name
Smallcreep's Day (album)
Smallcreep's Day is the first solo album by Genesis bassist and guitarist Mike Rutherford. The title suite is based on the dark, surrealist novel of the same name by Peter Currell Brown. It was released in 1980...
by Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
bassist Mike Rutherford
Mike Rutherford
Michael John Cleote Crawford Rutherford is an English musician. He is a founding member of Genesis, initially as a bassist and backup vocalist. In later incarnations of Genesis, he assumed the role of lead guitarist. He is one of only two constant members in Genesis . He also fronts Mike + The...
, released in 1980.