Living with a Writer features some of our most insightful literary minds writing as only they could on the practical and personal considerations of being a writer. Entries include John Updike on being a writer; David Updike on being the son of a writer and a writer himself; Nadine Gortimer on living with herself; Margaret Drabble on her relationship with Malcolm Holroyd; Edmund Morris on his relationship with his wife, Sylvia Jukes Morris; John Bayley on Iris Murdoch; and Paul Theroux on V.S. Naipaul. These candid essays offer a rare opportunity to peer into and demystify the private lives of some of the very best contemporary writers of our time.

Leading writers and critics, including Margaret Drabble, Alan Sillitoe and Ferdinand Mount, share their passion for books and the joys of reading in an inspiring collection of essays and writings. A Passion for Books is both a celebration of the value and importance of reading and a spirited defence against the many gloomy voices in our so-called electronic age who say the book will soon be obsolete. This book, itself a joy to read, is written for anyone who cares at all about the past and future of books and reading.

The first major Hawthorne biography to be published in two decades, featuring original scholarship on both unpublished and published sources The Life of the Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne presents a rich and nuanced portrait of one of America's greatest writers, exploring the thoughts and ideas of a man whose profound insights about the human condition continue to resonate in the modern day. Accessible to those with little knowledge of Hawthorne, this unique volume uses a new biographical approach based on exhaustive primary research that provides readers with a better understanding of the artist and his work. Author Dale Salwak challenges the presumption that Hawthorne was a reclusive, eccentric, and alienated man whose relevance to modern times is diminishing. Drawing from his forty-five years' experience reading, studying, and teaching Hawthorne, the author reveals a more approachable Hawthorne. In-depth and reflective chapters explore topics such as the circumstances that led Hawthorne to become a writer, the influence of Sophia Hawthorne on her husband's work, the theory of the unfulfilled homoerotic relationship between Hawthorne and Herman Melville, and more. Offers a fresh reading of Hawthorne's life and work from birth to death Provides new perspectives on Hawthorne and stories surrounding his work Draws from a wide variety of sources, including novels, tales, children's books, notebooks, and personal letters to and from Hawthorne Suggests new strategies for teaching Hawthorne to today's students Includes a detailed index and comprehensive introductory and concluding chapters Highlighting Hawthorne's special contributions to American literature, The Life of the Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne is essential reading for scholars, lecturers, and college students taking courses including Literary History, American Literature, and History of the Novel as well as anyone interested in biography, literature, and creativity

Living With A Writer brings together a group of prestigious contributors to discuss the writing lives of contemporary poets, novelists, critics, dramatists, editors and collaborators. What are the practical considerations of being a writer? What are the household dynamics? How do the circumstances contribute to the work? What does it tell us about the creative process? The book features pieces from well-known authors and partners in famous literary relationships, including John Bayley, Amanda Craig, Nadine Gordimer, Ann Thwaite, Paul Theroux and John Updike.