Title
The Collected Works of Nathanael West,Used
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With an Introduction and Notes by Henry Claridge, Senior Lecturer, School of English, University of Kent at Canterbury.The four novels gathered here constitute the complete longer works of one the most brilliant and original American writers. Wests vision of American modernity is terrifyingly comical and diagnoses the tawdriness and meretriciousness of much of American popular culture. His greatest work, Miss Lonelyhearts, which begins this collection, is unique in modern literature. It describes New York in the early years of the Great Depression through the point of view of an agony aunt who corresponds with his suffering readers in the guise of Miss Lonelyhearts: (Are you in trouble? Do you need advice?). A Cool Million is, as its subtitle suggests, the dismantling of a myth, here a caustic satire of the rags to riches story. Wests final novel, The Day of the Locust, is a comic, yet apocalyptic account of the fantasies of 1930s Hollywood. This volume concludes with Wests parodic and surreal first venture into fiction, The Dream Life of Balso Snell. Henry Claridges introduction to this new edition of Wests fictional writings contextualises his work in the United States of the Great Depression, in his evocation of 1930s Hollywood (where he worked as a writer of screenplays), and in the larger context of his Eastern European Jewish background, and, particularly, his reading of Dostoyesvky. The text comes with extensive annotations, a note on the textual history of Wests writings, and a guide to further reading for both the student and the general reader.
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- Q: What are the main themes explored in The Collected Works of Nathanael West? A: The main themes in The Collected Works of Nathanael West include the critique of American popular culture, the disillusionment of the American Dream, the complexities of modernity, and the exploration of identity and existential despair.
- Q: Who is the author of The Collected Works of Nathanael West? A: The author of The Collected Works of Nathanael West is Nathanael West, an influential American writer known for his unique and satirical portrayal of American life during the 1930s.
- Q: What is the significance of Miss Lonelyhearts in this collection? A: Miss Lonelyhearts is significant as it presents a poignant exploration of human suffering and alienation during the Great Depression, using the perspective of an agony aunt who interacts with desperate readers.
- Q: How many pages does The Collected Works of Nathanael West contain? A: The Collected Works of Nathanael West contains 352 pages, offering a comprehensive collection of his longer works.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in a paperback binding, making it accessible and easy to handle for readers.
- Q: What kind of introduction does this edition include? A: This edition includes an introduction by Henry Claridge, providing context on Nathanael West's work, his background, and the literary environment of the Great Depression.
- Q: Are there any additional notes or annotations in the book? A: Yes, the book comes with extensive annotations that provide insights into West's texts, as well as a note on the textual history of his writings.
- Q: When was The Collected Works of Nathanael West published? A: The Collected Works of Nathanael West was published on March 15, 2011.
- Q: What can readers expect from The Day of the Locust? A: Readers can expect a comic yet apocalyptic narrative that critiques the fantasies and disillusionment of 1930s Hollywood, showcasing West's sharp satirical style.
- Q: Is this book suitable for students studying American literature? A: Yes, this book is suitable for students studying American literature, as it provides essential insights into the works of Nathanael West and the cultural context of his time.