Now hailed as a classic, Carlos Baker's bestselling biography of Hemingway brings into sharp focus one of the titans of 20th-century American literature, a writer whose life itself was the stuff of legend.
The death of Ernest Hemingway in 1961 marked the end of a remarkable and influential career in American literature, with his works translated into every major language. Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1954, Hemingway's impact on contemporary writing is undeniable. While many are familiar with his public persona, this collection of nearly 600 letters reveals a more intimate side of the author. Spanning from 1917 to 1961, these letters serve as both a self-portrait and an autobiography, showcasing Hemingway's candid communication with family, friends, enemies, and notable contemporaries. Curated by Carlos Baker, the selection highlights key moments in Hemingway's career while showcasing his character, wit, and passion for hunting, fishing, drinking, and eating. The letters vary from ingratiating to truculent, offering insights into his views on writing, literature, and various subjects, including women, soldiers, and politicians. More than anything, they reveal his irrepressible humor, often more pronounced in his correspondence than in his published works. This informal biography, reflecting 45 years of living and writing, leaves a lasting impression of an extraordinary man. Born in Oak Park, IL, in 1899, Hemingway began his career as a reporter before serving in WWI. He later moved to Paris, where he became part of a vibrant expatriate community and produced iconic novels. He passed away in Ketchum, Idaho, on July 2, 1961.