Hints And Guesses: William Gaddis'S Fiction Of Longing [Paperback]

Christopher J. Knight (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1997

The author of four truly important novelsThe Recognitions in 1955, J R in 1975, Carpenters Gothic in 1985, and A Frolic of His Own in 1995William Gaddis is considered by many literary scholars to be one of the most outstanding novelists of the twentieth century, to be spoken of in the same breath as James Joyce, Robert Musil, and Thomas Pynchon. Hints and Guesses: William Gaddiss Fiction of Longing is the first scholarly work to discuss all four Gaddis novels. While not dismissing the inclination of many scholars to view Gaddiss fiction as postmodern, Christopher Knight moves critical response in another direction, toward a discussion of Gaddiss significance as a satirist and social critic. Knight investigates Gaddiss predominant thematic interests, including those of contemporary aesthetics, Flemish painting, forgery, corporate America, Third World politics, and the U.S. legal system. What Knight finds is an author not only acutely sensitive to post-war social realities but also one whose critique carries with it an implied utopian dimension. This is impressive work on one of the four or five major contemporary novelists and on the cultural conditions under which he writes, and it will attract many readers interested in contemporary American literature and culture.Patrick ODonnell, author of Echo Chambers: Figuring Voice in Modern Narrative and editor of MFS: Modern Fiction Studies

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A standard study and an indispensable introduction, of great use both to experts in the field as well as those studying Gaddis for the first time."-Steven Moore, author of William Gaddis -- Steven Moore, author of William Gaddis

"This is impressive work on one of the four or five major contemporary novelists and on the cultural conditions under which he writes, and it will attract many readers interested in contemporary American literature and culture."-Patrick O'Donnell, author of Echo Chambers: Figuring Voice in Modern Narrative and editor of MFS: Modern Fiction Studies -- Patrick O'Donnell, author of Echo Chambers: Figuring Voice in Modern Narrative and editor of MFS: Modern Fiction Studies

About the Author

Christopher Knight, author of The Patient Particulars: American Modernism and the Technique of Originality, has taught at several universities, including New York University, University of Texas at Austin, Lublin University, Warsaw University, and Miami University. At present, he teaches at the State University of New York at Albany.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press (December 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299153045
• ISBN-13: 978-0299153045
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,978,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing, February 21, 2004

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This review is from: Hints And Guesses: William Gaddis'S Fiction Of Longing (Paperback)

This book covers the works of Gaddis, exclu8ding Agape Agape, with incredible depth and sweep. A book certain to increase one's appreciation of one of the greatest of authors. those interested in the aesthetic elements in all of Gaddis work will truly benefit. Knight discusses the role of the artist, Flemish painting, and Abstract Expressionism of America in Greenwich Village in the 50s with tremendous facility. He also reads J R in a very Platonic way, namely, in light of the role of the examined life and the question as to how one should, but couches it in consideration of the postwar capitalist nation of America. Excellent, Excellent.