Donald Pizer Books

A New York Times Notable BookAn intimate biography of a great American writer.He rose from a childhood as the illegitimate son of a financial titan to become the man Sartre called "the greatest writer of our time." A progressive writer who turned his passions into the groundbreaking U.S.A. trilogy, John Dos Passos later embraced conservative causes. At the height of his career he was considered a peer of Hemingway and Fitzgerald, yet he died in obscurity in 1970.Award-winning biographer Virginia Spencer Carr examines the contradictions of Dos Passos's life with an in-depth study of the man. Using the writer's letters and journals, and with assistance from the Dos Passos family, Carr reconstructs an epic life, one of literary acclaim and bitter obscurity, restless wandering and happy marriage, friendship with Edmund Wilson and feuds with Hemingway. First published to acclaim in 1984, Dos Passos remains the definitive personal portrait of the author.

A portrait of New York City, drawn by describing the interconnected lives of dozens of people - bankers, chefs, bums, cabdrivers and others. Written in an impressionistic style, with vivid descriptions and bursts of overheard conversation, it has more in common with films than traditional novels.

Focusing on Hamlin Garland's early work, this collection of essays by Donald Pizer highlights the significance of this formative period in the author's career. Pizer's analyses aim to re-establish Garland's contributions and influence, shedding light on his activities and literary development during these crucial years.

Focusing on American naturalism, this collection features late career essays by Pizer that explore a range of writers and themes within the genre. Each essay delves into the intricacies of naturalist literature, offering insights into its evolution and key contributors. Pizer's analysis provides a thoughtful examination of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these works, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in understanding the depth and significance of American naturalism.