Collecting Himself: James Thurber on Writing and Writers, Humor, and Himself

Thurber, James. Editor Michael J. Rosen.

ISBN 10: 0060161353 / ISBN 13: 9780060161354

Published by Harper & Row, first edition 1989, 263pp., 1989

About this Item

Hardcover boek, met stofomslag, tekst in het Engels, geļllustreerd in zwart-wit, een paar lichte gebruikssporen met name op de stofomslag, verder in goede staat. Please see description or ask for photos.

Seller Inventory # 215101905

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Collecting Himself: James Thurber on Writing and Writers, Humor, and Himself
• Publisher: Harper & Row, first edition 1989, 263pp.
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0060161353
• ISBN 13: 9780060161354
• Binding: Hardcover

About this title

Synopsis

James Thurber spent most of his career at the New Yorker magazine, drawing cartoons and writing essays and stories. Collecting Himself is a one-of-a-kind compilation of James Thurber's vintage writings, featuring previously unanthologized articles, essays, interviews, reviews, cartoons, parodies, as well as Thurber's reflections on his work in theater and at the New Yorker. An eclectic body of work that offers a glimpse into Thurber the man, the philosopher, and the critic.

Reviews

In gathering material for this collection of the late humorist's works, Rosen, literary director of Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, had the cooperation of Rosemary Thurber, her father's executor. The book is a heady mix: laser-sharp critcism of shoddy, pretentious plays and novels balanced by insightful praise of worthy ones; comments, more in anger than in sorrow, on New Yorker founder Harold Ross and others whom Thurber considered to be over-zealous editors; essays on humor, etc. The anthology includes an abundance of reprinted material but also pieces not previously published--every entry a reminder of Thurber's (1894-1961) sublime wit. And given the dearth of political humor today, it's a special treat to read "How to Tell Government from Show Business" among the rareties here. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Thurber was one of America's most important humorists. With this collection, editor Rosen brings together an eclectic body of Thurber's writings and drawings not previously anthologized. What is revealed is a glimpse of Thurber the man, the philosopher, and the critic. A number of the pieces are excerpts from Thurber's many interviews and commentaries, spanning some 30 years. In these he shares with the reader his coping with progressive blindness, his method of drawing, his writing tactics, and his personal relationships. His critical views on theatre, other writers, and the state of humor itself are also divulged. This volume will be a welcome addition to collections of standard Thurber fare and is essential for scholars.
- Joe Accardi, Univ. of Wisconsin Lib., LaCrosse
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.