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James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer

Name: James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer
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Book Synopsis: A New Yorker Best Book of 2022A definitive biography of a twentieth century gay author whose work has recently been rediscovered and enjoys a cult following.One of the most iconoclastic twentieth-century American novelists, James Purdy penned original and sometimes shocking works about those on the margins of American society, exploring small towns, urban life, failure, alienation, sexuality, and familial relations. In his own life, Purdy was a compelling if eccentric figure, declared an "authentic American genius" by Gore Vidal.James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer is the first full-length biography of the gay American novelist, story writer, playwright, and poet. Michael Snyder has spent over a decade plumbing the mysteries of Purdy's career and personal life, including interviews with those who knew him. From his roots in northwestern Ohio, Purdy moved to the world of Bohemian artists and jazz musicians in Chicago in the late 1930s and 1940s, travelled in Spain, studied in Mexico, enlisted in the Army Air Corps, worked for the Federal Security Agency, and taught in Cuba and at a Wisconsin college for nearly a decade. All the while, he aspired to become a writer, but struggled to publish. Only when friends financed the private printing of his work did he find a champion in poet Dame Edith Sitwell, who helped get him published in England, which led to publication in the United States. After moving to New York in 1957, he spent nearly fifty years writing in Brooklyn Heights. Although Purdy's critical reputation peaked in the 1960s and he never enjoyed a bestseller, his often queer and edgy content found a diverse following that included Tennessee Williams, Langston Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Dorothy Parker, Edward Albee, Jonathan Franzen, John Waters, and many LGBTQ readers. Difficult and often contrarian, Purdy sometimes hampered his own career as he sought recognition from a conservative, cliquey New York publishing world. Conveying the potency and influence of Purdy's fierce artistic integrity, vision, and self-definition as a truth-teller, this groundbreaking literary biography recovers the life of a highly talented writer with a persistent cult following.

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Looking for a captivating biography that delves into the life of an extraordinary literary figure? Look no further than "James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer." This New York Times Best Book of 2022 offers an in-depth exploration of the controversial genius that is James Purdy. Known for his daring and unconventional storytelling, Purdy's works have been rediscovered and are now revered by a devoted cult following.

James Purdy was a fearless voice in twentieth-century American literature, fearlessly tackling societal taboos and shining a light on the marginalized. From small towns to bustling urban landscapes, Purdy's writing captures the essence of American life with unflinching honesty. His exploration of themes such as failure, alienation, sexuality, and family dynamics will challenge your perspectives and leave a lasting impact.

Author Michael Snyder takes readers on an extraordinary journey through Purdy's life, providing a comprehensive biography for the first time. Through interviews with those who knew him, Snyder pieces together the fascinating narrative of Purdy's unconventional existence. From his humble beginnings in Ohio to his bohemian escapades in Chicago, Purdy's life was a true reflection of his unique artistic vision.

Intrigued? Let us take you on a literary adventure through the mind of a contrarian writer. Explore Purdy's travels in Spain, his experiences in Cuba, and his tireless pursuit of becoming a published author. You'll witness the challenges he faced along the way and the triumphs that ultimately solidified his place in literary history.

Despite his critical acclaim and the praise he received from influential figures like Gore Vidal, Purdy's journey was not without its struggles. His nonconformist style often clashed with the conservative publishing industry of his time, hindering his rise to mainstream success. However, his works found a diverse and devoted following, attracting readers from all walks of life, including renowned literary figures like Tennessee Williams and Langston Hughes.

Don't miss out on this groundbreaking literary biography that sheds light on the brilliance of James Purdy. Immerse yourself in his fierce artistic integrity, his unwavering vision, and his unapologetic self-expression. Get your copy of "James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer" and discover a truly remarkable talent that continues to resonate with readers today.

Ready to embark on this extraordinary literary journey? Click here to grab your copy of "James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer" and delve into the captivating life of a true literary maverick.

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