Synopsis
From Montaigne in the sixteenth century to Orwell, Eliot, and Trilling in the twentieth, the best literary essayists combine a gift for observation with an abiding commitment to books. Although it may seem that books are becoming less essential and that a revolution in sensibility is taking place, the essays of Arthur Krystal suggest otherwise. Companionable without being chummy, engaged without being didactic, erudite without being stuffy, he demonstrates that literature, even in the digital age, remains the truest expression of the human condition.
Covering subjects as diverse as aphorisms, dueling, the night, and the 1960s, the essays gathered here offer the common reader uncommon pleasure. In prose that is both vibrant and elegant, Krystal negotiates among myriad subjects-from historical writing as exemplified by Jacques Barzun to the art of screenwriting as not so happily represented by F. Scott Fitzgerald. His cardinal rule as a writer? William Hazlitt's "Confound it, man, don't be insipid." No fear of that. Except When I Write is thoughtful in the most joyful sense--brimming with ideas in order to give us the flow and cadence of someone actually thinking.
Keenly observant and death on pretension, Krystal examines the world of books without ever losing sight of the world beyond them. Literature may be the bedrock on which these essays rest, but as F. R. Leavis aptly noted, "One cannot seriously be interested in literature and remain purely literary in interests." Except When I Write is a reminder of both the pleasure and the power of a well-tuned essay.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Arthur Krystal has written for The New Yorker, Harpers, the American Scholar, the Times Literary Supplement, The New York Times Book Review, and other publications. He is the author of The Half-Life of an American Essayist and Agitations: Essays on Life and Literature. The title essay of Except When I Write was selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Best American Essays. He lives in New York City.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Except When I Write: Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Stock Image
Except When I Write : Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2011
ISBN 10: 0199782407
ISBN 13: 9780199782406
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 4485421-6
Stock Image
Except When I Write: Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2011
ISBN 10: 0199782407
ISBN 13: 9780199782406
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Like New condition. Like New dust jacket. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # F06B-03684
Seller Image
Except When I Write : Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 12619532-n
Stock Image
Except When I Write
Print on DemandSeller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L1-9780199782406
Seller Image
Except When I Write : Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2011
ISBN 10: 0199782407
ISBN 13: 9780199782406
Used
Hardcover
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 12619532
Seller Image
Except When I Write
Published by
Oxford University Press Inc, US, 2011
ISBN 10: 0199782407
ISBN 13: 9780199782406
New
Hardcover
Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, LONDO, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: New. "I never think except when I sit down to write." - Attributed to Montaigne by Edgar Allan Poe From Montaigne in the sixteenth century to Orwell, Eliot, and Trilling in the twentieth, the best literary essayists combine a gift for observation with an abiding commitment to books. Although it may seem that books are becoming less essential and that a revolution in sensibility is taking place, the essays of Arthur Krystal suggest otherwise. Companionable without being chummy, engaged without being didactic, erudite without being stuffy, he demonstrates that literature, even in the digital age, remains the truest expression of the human condition.Covering subjects as diverse as aphorisms, dueling, the night, and the 1960s, the essays gathered here offer the common reader uncommon pleasure. In prose that is both vibrant and elegant, Krystal negotiates among myriad subjects-from historical writing as exemplified by Jacques Barzun to the art of screenwriting as not so happily represented by F. Scott Fitzgerald. His cardinal rule as a writer? William Hazlitt's "Confound it, man, don't be insipid." No fear of that. Except When I Write is thoughtful in the most joyful sense-brimming with ideas in order to give us the flow and cadence of someone actually thinking. Seller Inventory # LU-9780199782406
Buy New
US$ 47.03
Free Shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Except When I Write
Print on DemandSeller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L1-9780199782406
Buy New
US$ 44.79
US$ 5.55 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Except When I Write: Reflections of a Recovering Critic (eng)
Print on DemandSeller: Brook Bookstore On Demand, Napoli, NA, Italy
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: new. Questo è un articolo print on demand. Seller Inventory # 7f3b1346297b4728e1a7481bc4ee226c
Buy New
US$ 44.65
US$ 6.26 shipping
Ships from Italy to U.S.A.
Ships from Italy to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Except When I Write: Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Seller: Ria Christie Collections, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780199782406_new
Buy New
US$ 44.51
US$ 15.99 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Except When I Write: Reflections of a Recovering Critic
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. A stylish, engrossing collection of essays from a master of the form that covers topics as diverse as dueling, Scott Fitzgerald, aphorisms, and the 1960s. Num Pages: 224 pages, 1 illustration. BIC Classification: DNF. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 215 x 137 x 20. Weight in Grams: 342. . 2011. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780199782406
Buy New
US$ 52.04
US$ 11.95 shipping
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available