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The Man Behind the Book: Literary Profiles

Name: The Man Behind the Book: Literary Profiles
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Book Synopsis: Twenty-three biographical essays on writers admired by the National Medal of Arts–winning author of The Education of Oscar Fairfax.For Louis Auchincloss, life and letters are not two things but one. It therefore comes as no surprise that when he writes about writers, their lives are considered as closely as their works. He takes what today is a refreshingly unpopular position: that the artist and his art cannot be teased apart, that biography of criticism and criticism biography. For Mr. Auchincloss, it all boils down to that maxim of Buffon’s: “the style’s the man,” the man behind the book.The twenty-three writers discussed here are a mixed lot—English, American, and French; novelists, poets, and playwrights; Jacobeans, Victorians, and moderns—yet each has meant a great deal to Mr. Auchincloss as a reader and a writer. Some of them are classics, and familiar Auchincloss subjects: Sarah Orne Jewett, Henry James, Ivy Compton-Burnett. Others, among them Prosper Mérimée, Harold Frederic, and Amy Lowell, were famous once but are now obscure. In their cases it is Mr. Auchincloss’s self-described task “to explore the reasons for their fall from grace,” reasons that prove to be unfailingly personal as well as artistic. But as Mr. Auchincloss would rather praise and share than damn and dismiss, it is also his task “to seek the portions of their work that may still merit attention.”Alfred Kazin once noted that Mr. Auchincloss’s essays are marked by “perfect literary grace and wit.” These qualities have never been so evident as in this volume, an informal study of some of the author's favorite books and the fascinating artists behind them.

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Delve into the fascinating world of literary geniuses with "The Man Behind the Book: Literary Profiles." Louis Auchincloss brings to life the intertwined stories of renowned writers, showcasing the connection between their personal lives and their literary masterpieces. Explore the profound insights into the lives of English, American, and French writers across different eras and genres. Uncover the unbreakable bond between the artist and their art in this captivating collection of biographical essays.

Step into the literary realm curated by Louis Auchincloss, where words transform into vivid portraits of influential writers. As a National Medal of Arts winner, Auchincloss brings his unique perspective to each profile, celebrating the enduring legacy of iconic figures such as Henry James and Sarah Orne Jewett. Discover hidden gems among the lesser-known writers as Auchincloss guides you through a journey of rediscovery and appreciation for literary treasures of the past.

Experience the perfect blend of literary grace and intellectual depth in Auchincloss's insightful essays. Each page is infused with the author's unparalleled wit and profound admiration for the artists who shaped the literary landscape. Dive into the rich tapestry of narratives that reveal the artist behind the book, where every sentence is a testament to Auchincloss's unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of timeless literary figures.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vivid world of literary profiles with Auchincloss as your guide. Embrace the beauty of literature intertwined with personal stories that transcend time and space. Click here to embark on a captivating journey of discovery and enlightenment.

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