The Graywolf Silver Anthology - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555972896 ISBN 13: 9781555972899

Publisher: Graywolf Press, 1999

Synopsis

This anthology, an eclectic and entertaining mix of poetry and prose, showcases some of the extraordinary writers who have helped shape a literary quarter-century. Their work provides clear evidence of the critical role Graywolf and other independent presses play in the otherwise increasingly homogenous publishing universe - a realization made all the more remarkable when contrasted against the simple charm of Graywolf's earliest days as a letterpress publisher, as described in an introductory historical essay by founder Scott Walker.

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Reviews

The story of Graywolf's founding 25 years ago, recounted here, is shared by many a failed literary press. The mere persistence of Graywolf into the present stands for the persistence in our cultural history of the belief that, as the editors put it, creative writing needs to be nurtured and published proudly. The selections here, which include poetry, fiction, and nonfiction (including some selections from longer works), are from books Graywolf has published the last quarter century, their authors ranging from still relatively unknown writers to some very prominent ones, such as Tess Gallagher, William Stafford, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Charles Baxter. Baxter, known for his fiction, is represented here by a provocative, witty essay, "Dysfunctional Narratives," which characterizes a disquieting trend in recent American fiction and culture. Silko, also known for her fiction, appears here in an exchange of letters with a dear friend, commencing with his disclosure that he has throat cancer. It is a remarkable exchange, of keen wisdom and hope, and a fitting conclusion to this anthology. James O'Laughlin

It all began as a small letterpress shop in St. Paul, that printed a literary magazine and, in the fall of 1974, one book of poetry. Graywolf Press has since evolved into one of the leading independent literary publishers. Scott Walker, who founded the press with Kathleen Foster, credits Graywolf's success to the editors' pride in choosing creative contemporary writing while running an efficient business. This anthology celebrates their 25 years in publishing, combining a versatile selection of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that highlights the many fine writers (Charles Baxter, Jan Zita Grover, William Kittredge) who have contributed to Graywolf's success over the years. As the reader browses through the collection, focusing on some of the carefully chosen selections, the text reverberates with the importance of literature, of writing, and of reading. Included at the end of the book is a comprehensive list of the books published by Graywolf. Recommended for public and academic libraries.ACynde Bloom Lahey, New Canaan Lib., CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Graywolf Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555972896
• ISBN 13: 9781555972899
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344