Customer Reviews

United States Authors Series: Charles Bukowski (Twayne's United States Authors)

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Gay Brewer has written one of the most readable and useful books in the Twayne series. Bukowski, a prolific writer, has often been beyond the reach of critics, either because of the literary world's shunning of him, or because there just doesn't seem to be much more to say about poems & short stories which speak for themselves. Brewer gives a plain-spoken and useful critique of Buk's work, one which both scholars and the casual reader of Bukowksi will find useful.

Serious.
Well written.
And seriously well written.
With rigor, wit and infectious tenderness for his subject, Brewer takes us through the majority of Bukowski's work arranged chronologically by genre. There are real insights here - as specific works are regarded in comparison with contemporary writers - and in their broader context with past writers and styles. Critical where necessary, Brewer is not afraid or in awe of his subject - more than can be said of many Bukowski biographers/critics. He differs also from `the Bukowski basher' as Brewer does not pretend some moral objection to Bukowski's choice of language or lifestyle. Clearly, what's under examination here are the words, as written. And that is such a relief!
The most important aspect of this book however, must be the desire it creates in the reader to go back to the source and really READ the books.
My only regret in regards this book is that it was not written later, so as to include those books published posthumously. Maybe a second, expanded edition in the future? Let's hope.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough... It is the way literary criticism ought to be.

Brewer's book on Bukowski is top-notch literary criticism without any of the usual academic jargon. No pedantry either! Amazing. Academics should read it just to get an idea how to write. Bukowski fans should read it to realize how much more substantial Bukowski's work really is.