Nobel Writers on Writing [Hardcover]

Ottar G. Draugsvold (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786406291 | ISBN-13: 978-0786406296 | Publication Date: July 2000

When in 1901 Alfred Nobel bequeathed to the world the funds to support the Nobel Prize, one of his few directives for the category of literature was that the artists selected be of "idealistic tendency." Since its inception, the prize has given a very public voice to some of the world's greatest writers, and their responses to the honor-their acceptance speeches-have themselves often been epochal within each author's body of literature. From the famed call to "arms" by William Faulkner to the multicultural song of Derek Walcott, from 1903's Bjrnstjerne Bjrnson to 1999's Gnter Grass, this collection traces the ideals of the artists and the selection committee itself throughout the entirety of the 20th century.
"Interestingly," writes Draugsvold, "none [of the writers] discuss the more technical aspects of their craft." Equally striking is the strength of the common thread of idealism found in these addresses-a firm belief in humankind and the power of art, in its role in "the service of truth and the service of liberty" as Albert Camus said in 1957. "I decline to accept the end of man" wrote the Old Man, William Faulkner.
The speeches presented here were chosen not by subjective but rather by substantive criteria, with biographical presentations and brief statements of gratitude omitted. Included are an introduction to each of the 28 writers chosen, an excerpted copy of the speech or lecture and a bibliography of works in English. The work concludes with a complete list of prize winners in literature and a bibliography of sources cited in the writer's introductions.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In presenting the selected speeches of 31 Nobel prize-winning authors, Draugsvold (a member of PEN New England and the Association of Literary Scholars and Critics) aims to give insight into their thoughts and imaginations and hence inspire us to read their works. As such, the speeches are supported by an introduction emphasizing what makes the writers relevant to a popular audience, focusing on the philosophical center of each writer's work rather than the craft of writing. While the essays work admirably to engage the reader, they fall short as critical introductions to the authors or as attempts to place them within their cultural and historical milieus. A more academic approach would perhaps be useful in raising the controversial issues (such as T.S. Eliot's anti-Semitism) with which some of the writers are identified. In addition, the editor shows a propensity toward post-World War II writers, whose introductions tend to be more complete. That being said, this anthology should work well within larger public libraries.DKaren E.S. Lempert, Facing History and Ourselves, Brookline, MA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Ottar Draugsvold is a member of PEN New England and the Association of Literary Scholars and Critics. He previously worked as a health educator in Queensland, Australia, and has written numerous professional and trade articles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 227 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (July 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786406291
• ISBN-13: 978-0786406296
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,457,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference and inspiration, May 19, 2011

By 

Dancing_Lizard_Books (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nobel Writers on Writing (Hardcover)

In this extensively researched, well-written book, Draugsvold shares the reflections of the world's premier writers about writing. He provides background and analysis for each author. He includes carefully curated, representative, inspiring, incisive excerpts from the writers. I turn to this book often as a reference about the individual Nobel laureates. I turn just as often to this book for inspiration and direction for my own writing. Reading this book is like pulling up a chair next to a fire and having a long, intimate chat with wise, accomplished, talented mentors. This book would be an asset to any library -- personal or public. It is especially apt for readers and collectors who value literature beyond its notch on a periodical's best-seller list.

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Primer, August 19, 2011

By 

C. Jackson Blair "Jackson Blair" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nobel Writers on Writing (Paperback)

I received a copy of this book from the author. He was, and is, a personal friend and I had not read this book. It would be an understatement to say I loved the book. Not only did I learn a great deal about the authors highlighted by Draugsvold but did so a chapter at a time. This format provided multiple opportunities for me to start and end a story and set the book aside until another occasion. I particularly enjoyed reading the speeches of the Laureates.

Draugsvold writes clearly but has a knack for explaining his own thinking while reporting objectively on the subject. Recognizing this to be quite a balancing act, I have come to enjoy conversations with him on a wide range of subjects because of this singular quality in his thinking and writing.

The paperback edition is probably overpriced for what I think would be the best possible market: classroom use with young writers and eventual teachers and professors as they hone their art. It is a magnificent and wide ranging look at writers unarguably considered both famous and successful and provides the "layman" a very clear window into what worked for each Laureate and Draugsvolds commentary lays out a better understanding of why each was selected for the Nobel.