Title
James Laughlin, New Directions Press, and the Remaking of Ezra Pound (Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book)
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Although James Laughlin (19141997) came from one of Pittsburgh s leading steelmaking families, his passions were literary rather than industrialhe wanted to be a poet. Laughlin was a freshman at Harvard when he traveled to Rapallo, Italy, in 1933 to meet Ezra Pound (18851972), and he returned the following year to enroll in the poet s Ezuversity. Pound dismissed Laughlin s poetic talents, advising the wealthy young man to make himself over into a publisher. Laughlin did just that, founding New Directions Press in 1936.For much of the 1930s prior to World War II, Laughlin and Pound were friends, business associates, collaborators, student and teacher, and even at times son and surrogate father. But Laughlin s investment in Poundand their friendshipwas severely tested by Pound s wartime propaganda broadcasts for Italian state radio, his capture and abortive trial for treason, and his thirteenyear stay as a mental patient in St. Elizabeth s Hospital. Following this scandal and disgrace, the reading public no longer wanted to buy Pound s books, and the critical establishment dismissed him as a Fascist crank.Laughlin and New Directions responded by marketing Pound in such a way as to convince consumers that the poet s importance needed to be judged solely on aesthetic grounds, and that his political beliefs were irrelevant to his accomplishments as a pioneering literary artist. With Pound s encouragement, and despite the poet s oftexpressed opposition to the mixture of commerce and art, Laughlin used such marketing tools as advertising, the cultivation of friendly critics, and the development of the trade paperback to enhance Pound s reputation.Drawing on a wide range of sourcesincluding interviews with Laughlin and other New Directions staffers and published materials from numerous literary archivesGregory Barnhisel tells the story of the personal and professional relationship between one of the twentieth century s most controversial writers and his loyal and innovative American publishera relationship that eventually helped remake literary history and continues to shape our understanding of modernism itself
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- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: The book contains two hundred ninety-six pages. This length offers a comprehensive exploration of James Laughlin's life and his impact on modern literature.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six point four six inches in length, nine point four six inches in height, and zero point nine eight inches in width. These dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book has a hardcover binding. Hardcover books are known for their durability and protective qualities, making them ideal for long-term reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Greg Barnhisel. He provides a detailed narrative on James Laughlin and his relationship with Ezra Pound.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: This book falls under the category of literary biography and modernism studies. It examines critical themes in print culture and literary history.
- Q: How can I read this book? A: You can read this book by purchasing or borrowing it from a library. It's suitable for anyone interested in literary history and the complexities of modernism.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners? A: Yes, this book is accessible to beginners. It provides a clear narrative on the relationship between Laughlin and Pound, making it engaging for new readers.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of friendship, artistic integrity, and the intersection of commerce and art. These themes are central to understanding Laughlin's role in literary history.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: Keep the book in a cool, dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This care will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean the book gently. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or dirt without damaging the cover or pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies in place to address damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Generally, books do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policies.
- Q: How does this book compare to other literary biographies? A: This book provides a unique perspective on James Laughlin, focusing on his relationship with Ezra Pound, which is less commonly explored in other literary biographies.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for academic use? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for academic use. It offers valuable insights into modernist literature and publishing history, making it suitable for research.
- Q: What makes this book a good choice for readers interested in modernism? A: This book is a good choice because it delves into the complexities of modernism through the lens of Laughlin's publishing endeavors and his connection to Pound.