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Cheever: A Life,New
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From the acclaimed author of A Tragic Honesty: The Life and Work of Richard Yates comes the unforgettable life of John Cheever (19121982), a man who spent much of his career impersonating a perfect suburban gentleman, the better to become one of the foremost chroniclers of postwar America. I was born into no true class, Cheever mused in his journal, and it was my decision, early in life, to insinuate myself into the middle class, like a spy, so that I would have an advantageous position of attack, but I seem now and then to have forgotten my mission and to have taken my disguises too seriously. Written with unprecedented access to essential sourcesincluding Cheevers massive journal, only a fraction of which has ever been publishedBlake Baileys biography reveals the troubled but strangely lovable man behind the disguises, an artist who delighted in the everyday radiance of the world while yearning, above all, to be illustrious.Cheevers was a soul in conflict: he was a proud Yankee who flaunted his lineage while deploring the provincialism of his Quincy, Massachusetts, family circle; a highschool dropout who published his first story at eighteen; a pioneer of suburban realist fiction who continually pushed the boundaries of realism; a dire alcoholic who recovered to write the great novel Falconer; a secret bisexual who struggled with his longings and his fierce homophobia in a revolving door of selfloathing and hedonism. We see a man who concealed his anxieties behind the mask of a genial Westchester squirea paterfamilias in Brooks Brothers clothes whose world was peopled by legendary writers and beautiful women (Malcolm Cowley, Saul Bellow, William Maxwell, Hope Lange, and John Updike, among them); whose groundbreaking work landed him on the covers of Time and Newsweek; a man whose demons and desperation were never quite vanquished by the joy he found in his work.Blake Bailey has written a luminous biography, a revelation of a writer of timeless fiction and of the man behind the page.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Cheever: A Life'? A: 'Cheever: A Life' explores the complex life of John Cheever, focusing on his dual existence as a perfect suburban gentleman and a profound chronicler of postwar America.
- Q: Who is the author of this biography? A: The biography is authored by Blake Bailey, who is known for his insightful writing on American literature and its figures.
- Q: When was 'Cheever: A Life' published? A: 'Cheever: A Life' was published on March 10, 2009.
- Q: What is the format of the book? A: The book is available in hardcover format, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: 'Cheever: A Life' contains a total of 784 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of John Cheever's life and work.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as a 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating it has been pre-owned but remains in a satisfactory state.
- Q: What notable features are included in the biography? A: The biography includes unprecedented access to Cheever's massive journal and other essential sources, providing a comprehensive view of his life.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers unfamiliar with John Cheever? A: Yes, the biography is written to be accessible to both fans of Cheever and those new to his work, providing context and insights into his literary contributions.
- Q: What literary style does Blake Bailey employ in this biography? A: Blake Bailey employs a narrative style that combines biographical detail with literary criticism, highlighting both Cheever's personal struggles and his artistic achievements.
- Q: Can this book serve as a reference for academic studies on American literature? A: Yes, 'Cheever: A Life' can serve as a valuable reference for academic studies, particularly in courses focused on American literature, biography, and 20th-century writers.