I sometimes have a tough time enjoying "classic" novels. But it turns out that I love reading about the lives of their authors. That's why I enjoyed this book so much.
I had never heard of Max Perkins until this book popped into my suggested reading list from Kindle. The long-time editor at Charles Scribner & Sons discovered and edited such greats as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe and many others.
His relationship with each of his authors far transcended that of editor in the traditional sense. He played the role of psychiatrist, financier, errand-boy and close friend for each of them over the course of many years.
What makes the story so interesting is the chaotic life each of these authors lived, each in their own way. We follow Perkins as he nurtures each of their careers through boom and bust, over and over again. Their eccentricities, egos, quirks, insecurities, wanderlust, self-righteousness, adventures and alcoholism weave a fascinating tale.
And their lives also provide an interesting window into the 1920s through the WWII era. Although they hardly represent society at large, they are products of the era and offer valuable insight into the heart of American society and the world beyond. Much as historical fiction adds rich context and color to the understanding of history, so this book and its examination of famous writers does the same.
Perhaps I should explore additional biographies of popular writers.
The book has intrigued me enough to try and tackle another Hemingway. I started A Farewell to Arms just the morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment