Benjamin Taylor Books

A never-before-published collection of letters-an intimate self- portrait as well as the portrait of a century. Saul Bellow was a dedicated correspondent until a couple of years before his death, and his letters, spanning eight decades, show us a twentieth-century life in all its richness and complexity. Friends, lovers, wives, colleagues, and fans all cross these pages. Some of the finest letters are to Bellow's fellow writers-William Faulkner, John Cheever, Philip Roth, Martin Amis, Ralph Ellison, Cynthia Ozick, and Wright Morris. Intimate, ironical, richly observant, and funny, these letters reveal the influcences at work in the man, and illuminate his enduring legacy-the novels that earned him a Nobel Prize and the admiration of the world over. Saul Bellow: Letters is a major literary event and an important edition to Bellow's incomparable body of work.

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 beautifully crafted meditation on friendship and loss offers a touching portrait of Philip Roth from his closest friend. The narrative begins with a poignant moment when Roth, after collapsing, announces his retirement from writing with the words, "No more books." This marks the start of Benjamin Taylor's unvarnished portrayal of Roth, one of America's greatest writers. While Roth's literary legacy is secure, Taylor reveals the man behind the works, exploring his joys and sorrows as he ages. The memoir captures the essence of their friendship, highlighting how it enriched their lives in unexpected ways. Taylor, a talented writer in his own right, pays tribute to Roth as he reflects on their shared experiences and the complexities of creativity. Encouraged by Roth to write this memoir, Taylor was instructed to keep it honest and to wait until after Roth's death for publication. The result is an affectionate, unfiltered account that will serve as the definitive portrayal of Philip Roth for years to come. Through this work, Taylor not only honors his friend but also invites readers to appreciate the profound impact of friendship on our lives.