From School Library Journal
Solotaroff has been a magazine and book editor, reviewer, essayist, and writing instructor and has authored various books, including two memoirs (Truth Comes in Blows; First Loves). This collection includes previously published essays, some of which have been revised for this volume, as well as newer ones. Divided into five parts, the book in the first four sections primarily contains reviews—of fiction, biographies and autobiographies, poetry, and Jewish writing. Although they are well written, amusing, and judicious, they may not appeal to general readers. A major exception is Solotaroff's moving, personal, and thorough appreciation of the American critic Alfred Kazin, offering a balanced survey of his career. The final section, which includes five general pieces on authorship, presents expert and sympathetic advice and will be of interest to any young writer; especially good is the author's essay on the reasons he decided to abandon what would have been his first novel. This collection sheds light on the state of American literature and authorship. Recommended for upper-level and graduate academic collections.—Morris Hounion, New York City Coll. of Technology Lib., Brooklyn
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Many writers, but perhaps not enough readers, know just how vital, creative and central a figure Ted Solotaroff has been in contemporary letters; as the most influential editor of his time, he shaped not only tastes, but the direction of American writing. These essays provide an insight into the genius of the editor. They reflect wise judgement and tough-minded individuality, enormously approachable prose weathered by the years and wide reading into a delightfully measured tone, a warm literary intelligence, a distinct authority you can immediately trust." (Ian McEwan )
