Literary Reflections: Michener on Michener, Hemingway, Capote, & Others [Hardcover]

James A. Michener (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1880510073 | ISBN-13: 978-1880510070 | Publication Date: November 1993 | Edition: Limited

Readers will be charmed by Michener's often poignant retrospectives of a writer who has had a long and sucessful writing career.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

All of the essays in this potpourri of literary commentary by Michener ( Tales of the South ) have been published elsewhere, and they are of uneven quality, including pieces on Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote and Margaret Mitchell. His article on Mitchell, originally written as an introduction to an anniversary edition of Gone With the Wind , is particularly undistinguished. "Collections, Forgers--and a Writer" and "Testimony," both published previously in limited editions, deal, in part, with Michener's literary self-education and with his thoughts on effective writing; they are interesting and witty. Also included are "Who Is Virgil T. Fry?," Michener's first published short story, and several of his poems. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

In this collection of nine essays and a handful of unexceptional verse, Michener's best topic is himself. In "Collectors, Forgers--and a Writer" he reflects on the books, authors, and personalities that influenced him as a college student. These memories are imbued with warmth and even passion as the young Michener becomes inspired by the intelligence and eccentricities of his mentors. Michener's first short story, "Who Is Virgil T. Fry?" originally published in 1941, appears here as well with a brief self-commentary. These essays are generally compelling and skillfully crafted, although an overtone of false modesty is occasionally present (perhaps understandable for such an immensely successful writer). Also included are pieces on Margaret Mitchell and Marcus Goodrich. Michener fans and others with literary interests (even those not attracted to his epic novels) will find this volume worthwhile. For public and academic collections.
- Janice Braun, Hoover Inst., Lib., Stanford, Cal.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: State House Pr; Limited edition (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880510073
• ISBN-13: 978-1880510070
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,282,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, May 7, 2010

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K. Clouser - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Literary Reflections: Michener on Michener, Hemingway, Capote, and Others (Hardcover)

This was a gift for my father. He told me the book had never been opened. He was very pleased with the item!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, May 2, 2000

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Phil Swanwick - See all my reviews

This review is from: Literary Reflections: Michener on Michener, Hemingway, Capote, and Others (Hardcover)

As an English student, I've come to appreciate the level to which Michener can analyze a work. He can draw meaning and nuance from seemingly dry prose. Micherer's 70-year career has left him well-armed to analyze and defend any topic. His reflections on the literary giants of our time come from a giant themselves, thus giving us a new perspective on otherwise exhausted topics. Excellent!