Synopses & Reviews
Having considered the subject for more than sixty years, Jack Cady shares his knowledge of the American Writer in this wonderful and provocative book.
The American Writer is both an open letter to young writers and a lovely overview for anyone interested in reading.
Cady traces with insight and passion the threads of sin and original good in American literature, examines the thorny question of race, and explores the fantastic in modern fiction. He looks anew at familiar writers like Hemingway and Steinbeck, and repeatedly focuses on storytellers who have fallen out of favor today.
Decidedly non-canonical and definitely not Politically Correct, The American Writer celebrates the nation's whole literary history from its roots to its crowning achievements. It sees the New World through experienced eyes. It is passionate, honest, and powerfully inspiring. It will be read and treasured for years to come.
Review
"An exceptional writer." ---Joyce Carol Oates
"A writer of great, unmistakable integrity and profound feeling." ---Peter Straub
Synopsis
In this "open letter" to young writers, Cady takes a non-canonical and politically incorrect look at the nation's literary history and examines many neglected writers.
About the Author
Jack Cady won the Atlantic Monthly "First" award in 1965 for his story "The Burning." Since then, he has gone on to publish eight novels and four volumes of short fiction, earning himself such honors as the Iowa Prize for Short Fiction, the National Literary Anthology Award, the Washington State Governor's Award, the Nebula Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the World Fantasy Award. Born in Ohio and raised in Indiana and Kentucky, he worked a wide variety of jobs throughout the country, including jobs as a tree high climber, an auctioneer, a long-distance truck driver, and a stint in the Coast Guard. Over the past twenty-five years, he held teaching positions at the University of Washington, Clarion College, Knox College, the University of Alaska at Sitka, and Pacific Lutheran University. Recently retired from teaching, he lives in Port Townsend, Washington.