Douglas Bauer Books

The Beckoning World is set in the first quarter of the twentieth century and follows Earl Dunham. His weeks are comprised of six days mining coal, followed by Sundays playing baseball. Then one day a major-league scout happens on a game, signs Earl, and he begins a life he had no idea he could even dream.But dreams sometimes suffer from a lovely abundance, and in Earl’s case her name is Emily Marchand. They fall quickly and deeply in love, but with that love comes heartbreaking complications.The Beckoning World gathers a cast of characters that include Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig; a huge-hearted Pullman steward offering aphoristic wisdom; and countless others, not least of which is the 1918 Spanish flu taking vivid spectral form. At the center is a relentless love that Earl and Emily are defenseless against, allied as they are “in this business of their hearts.” 

The memoir explores the author's journey back to his hometown of Prairie City after a demanding career in journalism and a painful divorce. As he reconnects with his childhood roots through various local jobs, including working on his father's farm and tending bar, he reflects on the complexities of returning home as an adult. The narrative delves into themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the enduring question of whether one can truly reclaim their past.

Douglas Bauer's profound and exquisitely written first novel quickly established him as one of America's best new writers when it was first published in 1989. Now back in print, this darkly poetic novel is imbued with the same tough and tender understanding of the emotional lives of real people that distinguish Bauer's subsequent novels, The Very Air and The Book of Famous Iowans.

Exploring the themes of life, aging, and familial bonds, this collection of personal essays delves into the author's and his parents' experiences. Through evocative storytelling, Bauer reflects on shared meals, the nature of work, and the complexities of rewards and regrets, ultimately confronting the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. Each essay poses profound questions about existence and the meaning we derive from our journeys.

Set against the backdrop of West Texas, the story follows Luther Mathias, a snake oil salesman who discovers that style often trumps substance. As he creates his own remedies that claim to cure all ailments, he transforms into a charismatic figure akin to Elmer Gantry. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, fame, and the complexities of human motives, portraying Mathias as both revered and reviled, ultimately examining the intricate interplay between wealth, power, and public perception.

Exploring themes of memory, hero worship, and longing, this book delves into the essence of Iowa, revealing how its identity is shaped by both its physical geography and the human spirit. Through the lens of notable figures from the state, it reflects on the deeper connections that bind individuals to their heritage and the collective experience of a community.