Benjamin Taylor Books

"Marcel Proust came into his own as a novelist comparatively late in life, yet only Shakespeare, Balzac, Dickens, Tolstoy, and Dostoyevsky were his equals when it came to creating characters as memorably human. As biographer Benjamin Taylor suggests, Proust was a literary lightweight before writing his multivolume masterwork In Search of Lost Time, but following a series of momentous historical and personal events, he became -- against all expectations -- one of the greatest writers of his, and indeed any, era. This insightful, beautifully written biography examines Proust's artistic struggles -- the "search" of the subtitle -- and stunning metamorphosis in the context of his times. Taylor provides an in-depth study of the author's life while exploring how Proust's personal correspondence and published works were greatly informed by his mother's Judaism, his homosexuality, and such dramatic events as the Dreyfus Affair and, above all, World War I. As Taylor writes in his prologue, "Proust's Search is the most encyclopedic of novels, encompassing the essentials of human nature. ... His account, running from the early years of the Third Republic to the aftermath of World War I, becomes the inclusive story of all lives, a colossal mimesis. To read the entire Search is to find oneself transfigured and victorious at journey's end, at home in time and in eternity too.""--Jacket

. "A myth of genius has been our way of making good the losses our romantic modernity entails," Taylor writes. "A myth of genius has existed to affirm that, among human lives, some have sacramental shape; that, among human lives, some put into abeyance the equation between life and loss....Such is the post-theological, post-metaphysical role we have compelled our geniuses into. They make for us one last claim on the sublime."

Arranged chronologically, this literary time capsule displays the full extent of Bellow's nonfiction, including criticism, interviews, speeches and other reflections, tracing his career from his initial success as a novelist until the end of his life. Bringing together six classic pieces with an abundance of previously uncollected material, There is Simply Too Much to Think About is a powerful reminder not only of Bellow's genius but also of his enduring place in the western canon. It is sure to be widely reviewed and talked about for years to come.

This book offers a roadmap to achieving the life you've always desired, focusing on eliminating financial stress. It provides practical strategies and insights to help readers transform their financial situation and attain their dreams. By following its guidance, you can unlock the potential for a more fulfilling and financially secure life.

"A deeply felt, beautifully crafted meditation on friendship and loss in the vein of A Year of Magical Thinking, and a touching portrait of Philip Roth from his closest friend. I had a baseball question on the tip of my tongue: What was the name of "the natural," the player shot by a stalker in a Chicago hotel room? He gave me an amused look that darkened in-to puzzlement, then fear. Then he pitched forward into the soup, unconscious. When I entered the examining room twenty minutes after our arrival at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Philip said, "No more books." Thus he announced his retirement. So begins Benjamin Taylor's Here We Are, the unvarnished portrait of his best friend and one of America's greatest writers. Needless to say, Philip Roth's place in the canon is secure, but what is less clear is what the man himself was like. In Here We Are, Benjamin Taylor's beautifully constructed memoir, we see him as a mortal man, experiencing the joys and sorrows of aging, reflecting on his own writing, and doing something we all love to do: passing the time in the company of his closest friend. Here We Are is an ode to friendship and its wondrous ability to brighten our lives in unexpected ways. Benjamin Taylor is one of the most talented writers working today, and this new memoir pays tribute to his friend, in the way that only a writer can. Roth encouraged him to write this book, giving Taylor explicit instructions not to sugarcoat anything and not to publish it until after his death. Unvarnished and affectionately true to life, Taylor's memoir will be the definitive account of Philip Roth as he lived for years to come"--Amazon.com

The book offers a vibrant exploration of Italy's coastal city, blending history with engaging narratives. It highlights the unique culture, architecture, and notable events that have shaped the area over time. Readers will discover the charm and allure of the city, enriched by its storied past and picturesque landscapes, making it an essential guide for both tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Set against the backdrop of Fort Worth, Texas, this memoir captures a transformative year of boyhood marked by a handshake with JFK. It explores the tumultuous experiences and personal revelations that unfold, reflecting on the impact of historical events on a young life. Through vivid storytelling, the author delves into themes of innocence, growth, and the complexities of a changing world.

Focusing on the life and legacy of a renowned 20th-century author, this biography offers a heartfelt look at Willa Cather's journey and artistic resilience. The narrative is enriched by the perspective of a devoted admirer, providing an intimate exploration of Cather's impact on literature and her enduring influence on readers and writers alike.

This book offers a faithful reprint of the original 1874 edition, preserving its historical significance and quality. It provides readers with a glimpse into the past, showcasing the perspectives and insights of that era. The content is likely to reflect the cultural and technological developments of the time, making it a valuable resource for those interested in history and the evolution of transportation.