The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Info

Date Finished: 2/2/2026

First Sentence: In the temperate and tropical regions where it appears that hominids evolved into human beings, the principal food of the species was vegetable.

Last Sentence: Still, there are seeds to be gathered, and room in the bag of stars.

Companion Album:

New Cover

A simple, minimalist book cover for "The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction" by Ursula K. Le Guin on a solid pale green background. The title and author's name are in dark purple text at the top left, along with an introduction credit for Donna Haraway. The lower right portion is decorated with a detailed purple ink line drawing of a dried plant stalk, similar to wild oats, with seed pods.

A Few Thoughts

Bought this physically so I can reread and reference it whenever I want. It’s the kind of essay that makes me want to read more essays and try to write my own. It's funny, poignant, and short. I think everyone should read it (you can for free here).

Cover Notes

Simple one this time. I traced this image of wild oats and kept the type just a straight-up Times New Roman. I felt the simplicity speaks to Le Guin's point.