A Higher Form of Cannibalism?: Adventures in the Art and Politics of Biography
A candid and revealing account, by an expert in the minefield of the biographer’s contentious work. I’ve been writing lives for thirty years and learned a lot from it. (Jeffrey Meyers, author of lives of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Frost, Orwell, and Maugham)Carl Rollyson is not only the author of several accomplished biographies of major American cultural figures, he is also a discerning critic of the art of life writing. These witty and wise essays help explain some of the reasons we find biographies such compelling and engaging reading, especially in the area of conflict between the interests of the biographer and the rights of the resistant subject. Boswell would be delighted. (M. Thomas Inge, author ofWilliam Faulkner: An Illustrated Life, professor of humanities, Randolph-Macon College)A first rate and successful biographer himself, Carl Rollyson here takes us along on an audacious and daring tour...of the art and craft of biography, past and present (and always bravely personal).... Bright, witty, persuasive, this is a book worthy of our best attention. (George Garrett)Speaking as a biographer, I wish Carl Rollyson had shown a touch more restraint when exposing certain details about our profession. But as a reader… Oh, dear, I must confess to lapping up every single one of his stories and wanting more. ...A witty, informative, and hugely entertaining book that is chock-full of food for thought, especially if one happens to be a biographer. (Marion Meade)This book does an excellent job of illuminating the process and criticism of this popular form of writing. (Peter TerryForeWord Reviews)Carl Rollyson...is in the perfect position to provide an insider's perspective on the subject he knows best. (Bookwatch)The greatest virtue ofA Higher Form of Cannibalism...is in its honesty. (Martin SimpsonSalem Press Online)Rollyson’s discussion of writing and evaluating biography is revealing and stimulating, making this a good read. (J.J. Benardete, New School UniversityCHOICE)The book is so uninhibited...that most readers will find plenty to...admire. (Mark A. HeberleClaremont Review Of Books)