Customer Reviews

E. M. Forster: A Life (A Harvest Book)

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The must-have biography that almost every researcher of E.M. Forster uses among her/his basic material. Furbank was appointed by E.M. Forster himself as his biographer. The book contains photographs and it covers a lot of detail. Although the extensive detail sometimes gives an impression of digression it in fact enhances the 'scientific' value of the book, since it provides information about E.M. Forster for research from many angles (ranging from Bloomsbury Group to liberalism &c &c). Moreover, the detailed descriptions at times almost read like a novel (for instance the section on E.M. Forster's travels to Italy). Many letters are included - some by E.M. Forster, some to E.M. Forster, some about E.M. Forster - and make for an enchanting account. Very informative.

Without a doubt, Furbank's work is a great resource for any student of Forster. While working on my thesis , his book was always close at hand. Forster readers will appreciate the attention to detail that helps enliven any reading of one of Forster's novels.

My comments apply to the 2000 edition, although I suppose the newer edition is practically the same. This may well remain the definitive bio of the indisputably important English writer. Mr. Furbank became acquainted with Forster when the latter was elderly, and it is to some extent an 'authorized' biography. The book (first published in two volumes) is meticulous and thoughtful, though at times a tad dull. Forster had a sheltered youth, and did not engage in any sexual activity besides m*st*rb*t**n until at least age 30, if this book is to be believed, and it probably is. He published his last novel at age 45, but continued writing short stories and nonfiction for many years. He lived with his mother (described by one of his friends as 'mouldy') until her death in her 90s. Nevertheless, he travelled extensively, and his writings on Italy and India are of considerable interest. One hesitates to compare apples and oranges, but I would like to put in a plug here for Edmund White's bio of Jean Genet, which I also read recently (but didn't buy from Amazon) and like very much. Genet, of course, was a wilder thing.

Thirty years after its first publication this biography of E. M. Forster still hasn't been surpassed and chances are fairly slim that it ever will be. Furbank was apparently the perfect biographer for E.M.F. - he handles his life with an appropriate balance of inquisitiveness and discretion just as the writer lived his life. This attitude maybe now seem close to timidity which it is not, it is us who have been spoiled by the last quarter of a century.

This book is a perfect addition to any E.M.F.'s scholar and fan library but it may be a perfect introduction for someone for whom the name does not ring a bell yet. This is simply a great biography of a great men of letters - and the two greats add to make a great read.