Description
Book Synopsis: Dawn Powell was a gifted satirist who moved in the same circles as Dorothy Parker, Ernest Hemingway, renowned editor Maxwell Perkins, and other midcentury New York luminaries. Her many novels are typically divided into two groups: those dealing with her native Ohio and those set in New York. “From the moment she left behind her harsh upbringing in Mount Gilead, Ohio, and arrived in Manhattan, in 1918, she dove into city life with an outlander’s anthropological zeal,” reads a recent New Yorker piece about Powell, and it is those New York novels that built her reputation for scouring wit and social observation.
In this critical biography and study of the New York novels, Patricia Palermo reminds us how Powell earned a place in the national literary establishment and East Coast social scene. Though Powell’s prolific output has been out of print for most of the past few decades, a revival is under way: the Library of America, touting her as a “rediscovered American comic genius,” released her collected novels, and in 2015 she was posthumously inducted into the New York State Writer’s Hall of Fame.
Engaging and erudite, The Message of the City fills a major gap in the story of a long-overlooked literary great. Palermo places Powell in cultural and historical context and, drawing on her diaries, reveals the real-life inspirations for some of her most delicious satire.
Details
Step into the vibrant world of 1920s New York with Dawn Powell’s captivating novels. Known for her sharp wit and keen observations, Powell's novels transport readers to a time of glamour and intrigue.
Discover the hidden gem of American literature with "The Message of the City." This critical biography delves into Powell's key works set in the bustling metropolis, shedding light on her unique perspective and the influences that shaped her writing.
Join the revival of a literary genius as we explore Powell's New York novels, which have long been out of print but are now gaining recognition once again. Immerse yourself in the world of a rediscovered talent who has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Experience the allure of Powell's prose and gain insight into her genius with "The Message of the City." Let Patricia Palermo guide you through the depths of Powell's narrative, bringing to life the stories and characters that have captivated readers for decades.
Click here to explore "The Message of the City" and uncover the legacy of Dawn Powell.
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