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Threads of Life: Autobiography and the Will

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In today's world of overworked academics, the breadth and depth of
scholarship in this book are nothing short of astonishing. Freadman looks
at a huge array of philosophical positions of the will, weighting them with
dense historical footnotes. Yet, despite the dense scholarship, there are
also passages of lucid beauty and arresting phrases. The later chapters of
the book are devoted to fine textual analyses of different autobiographies
and their representations of the will. Perhaps the best chapter is the one
on Hemingway, shot through as it is with sardonic humour, providing some
welcome relief. Not everyone will agree with Freadman's conclusions, but
he is a force to be reckoned with. His book is now an indispensable
starting point for anyone working on autobiography and agency. His survey
of the history of writing on the will is enough to make this book essential
reading for work in this area.