The Paris Review interviews offer profound insights into the minds of writers, inspiring me to explore authors I might otherwise overlook. This book is truly worth reading.

Although if you're passionate about the Paris Review interviews, you can subscribe to the quarterly and access them all online. I didn't give volume I a perfect rating due to a couple of lackluster interviews. I'm curious about how the editors selected the initial 16 interviews from their extensive archive.

What struck me most, reading these interviews consecutively, was the mix of ego. Hemingway's self-regard was palpable, as was Saul Bellow's—no surprise there. Jack Gilbert's lack of ego was refreshing. Many of the writers and editors strived for humility.

As expected, Dorothy Parker and Kurt Vonnegut were funny. Vonnegut's worldview, his concern for humanity and abhorrence of war, were on full display. I think it's this large-hearted empathy that made him more than just a "funny" writer.

I found T.S. Eliot's interview charming and it gave me new respect for him. Borges, despite his erudition, was humble, and the reader senses his ongoing intellectual curiosity.

This brings me to James M. Cain and Rebecca West in the middle of the book. I wonder if they were added for variety since Cain is the only detective writer and West was a fiction writer and historian. Their interviews were difficult to get through. Cain was at times confusing and never enlightening. West kept referencing "classics" that have fallen out of favor and writers who have disappeared. I wonder if she'll suffer the same fate.

After that lull in the middle, the rest of the collection shines, with fantastic interviews of Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Stone, Robert Gottlieb, Richard Price, Billy Wilder, Jack Gilbert, and Joan Didion. There's a curious focus on the movies.

Writers have the opportunity to edit their interviews, and it seems Vonnegut pretty much interviewed himself and wrote his interview, yet it still felt conversational. The only overly crafted interview was Bellow's. Gottlieb's interview was unique with remarks from the writers he edited.

I knew Jack Gilbert's background, so his remarks weren't a surprise, but his take on poetry, his avoidance of "po-biz," and his worldview were incredibly refreshing. Gilbert always tried to write poems that mattered.

If you enjoy great writing and learning about the creative process, I recommend the Paris Review Interviews. Picking up these anthologies is an affordable way to sample the interviews. However, if you're willing to subscribe, you can read the authors you're most interested in.

While these interviews may not be the best how-to guides for aspiring writers due to the diverse techniques and aims of the authors, they are fascinating windows into the process.

Brilliant

Life is a never-ending source of brilliant lessons. It teaches us the value of effort, the importance of intelligence, and the significance of talent. Through our experiences, we learn that hard work pays off and that intelligence can help us overcome challenges. Talent, on the other hand, gives us an edge in certain areas. However, we also learn that these qualities are not enough on their own. We need to combine them with perseverance, determination, and a positive attitude. We must be willing to learn from our mistakes and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles. Life's lessons are constantly evolving, and we must be open to learning and growing. By doing so, we can become the best versions of ourselves and achieve our goals.

Listening to writers talk about literature is my favorite part. And this set of books directly multiplies the happiness many times. It's really wonderful. When we listen to writers share their insights and experiences in literature, we can not only gain a deeper understanding of different literary works and styles, but also be inspired by their unique perspectives and creative thinking. Each writer has his or her own charm and story, and through their words, we can enter a whole new world of literature. This set of books gathers the wisdom and essence of many outstanding writers, presenting us with a rich and colorful literary feast. It allows us to enjoy the pleasure of literature to the fullest and broadens our horizons and knowledge. I truly love this set of books and highly recommend it to all literature lovers.

I've heard numerous wonderful things about the second volume of Paris Interviews. However, when I went to the library, they only had this particular volume available. So, I decided to check it out.

Upon going through it, I found that none of the authors interviewed really piqued my interest to a great extent. But I don't think this is a flaw of the collection itself. Instead, it's more of a personal preference issue on my part.

I guess what I truly desired was to read interviews of younger authors who are currently publishing their works. They would bring a fresh perspective and new ideas that might resonate more with my own interests.

Nevertheless, if you happen to be interested in renowned authors like Dorothy Parker, Rebecca West, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Stone, Robert Gottlieb, Richard Price, and others, then this book is definitely worth obtaining. It offers valuable insights into their lives and works.

Personally, I'm eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the second volume, hoping that it will feature interviews of those younger authors I'm so keen to learn about.

I'm a sucker for books that include real-time interviews with writers.

Moreover, if a book has "Paris" or anything French in the title, I'm immediately on board.

The Paris Review is a classic, and in this Vol. 1, writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and T.S. Eliot grace the pages.

Although I'm not a huge fan of Dorothy Parker per se, her interview includes a manuscript page from "I live on your visits" with her handwritten notes and editing.

I truly love this kind of window into the writing process.

For me, it gets three out of five stars only because I'd like to read more nonfiction authors.

Nevertheless, it's still a classic that offers valuable insights into the minds and works of some of the greatest writers of our time.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in the craft of writing and the lives of these literary giants.

The interviews are engaging and offer a unique perspective on the creative process.

Overall, The Paris Review Vol. 1 is a great addition to any book lover's collection.

I think I relished this volume even more than the previous one I perused (volume II).

This might be attributed to the fact that this time, I was far more accustomed to the interview format.

Moreover, I was much more receptive to reading the wisdom of the writers with whom I wasn't as acquainted.

I particularly took great pleasure in getting to know Jack Gilbert and Richard Price.

However, I find it difficult to single out a true favorite from either volume.

(It should be noted that Robert Gottlieb the editor's interview was especially beneficial for a young writer like myself!)

These Paris Review Interview volumes offer a plethora of food for thought, a fair amount of pretension, a good deal of laughter, and perhaps even some tears.

They are truly beautiful experiences to read, and I am extremely grateful for the advice, stories, and lessons gleaned from each of them.

They have broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the writing craft.

I look forward to delving into more volumes in the future and continuing this enriching journey of discovery.

These interviews make for perfect bedtime reading.

Each of the four volumes is truly wonderful.

If you have a penchant for civilized conversation, then the interview with T.S. Eliot is a must-read. His words are like a gentle breeze that caresses your mind.

On the other hand, if you don't shy away from being disconcerted, the interview with Hemingway will surely pique your interest. His straightforward and often bold statements will leave you in awe.

Capote and Vonnegut are also fantastic interviewees. Their unique perspectives and charming personalities shine through in their conversations.

However, it is Robert Gottlieb who tells the best stories of all. His anecdotes are not only entertaining but also offer valuable insights into the literary world.

And this is just the beginning. There are many more fascinating interviews waiting to be discovered, each one offering a different window into the minds of some of the greatest literary figures of our time.

This book is truly darned interesting.

As readers, we are utterly fascinated by what writers have to say about their work. These interviews offer us precious glimpses into not only how they think but also their individual works and the elements that have shaped them.

Every single one of the interviews is absorbing, without exception. Even the one I cared for the least, which was Saul Bellow's, still had its own charm. I was a bit disappointed that, as was explained in the introductory remarks to his interview, he felt the need to heavily edit it. This process apparently involved several drafts and, no doubt, a significant rewording of the contents. It may read of spontaneity, but one knows that it has all been carefully put together by Bellow.

While all the interviewers get to see and approve the finished product and are free to amend, I have the feeling that they don't meticulously edit like Bellow did.

One small quibble I have is that the Capote interview seemed a bit dated. The Truman Capote we understand today seems to me quite different from the young 1957 version. In a sense, Truman Capote hadn't really been fully invented yet.

As for my favorites, Jorge Luis Borges was so unassuming and cooperative, which was really endearing. Kurt Vonnegut seemed the most open and unguarded, making his interview truly engaging. And Robert Stone spoke the most profoundly about the craft of writing, which was really enlightening.

The best part is that there are 3 more volumes of these Paris Review Interviews, which means there is so much more great content to explore and enjoy.

Insight into what writers and other creators read, think about and how they organize their work is of great significance.

This is the first in a long, ongoing series. It provides a fascinating look into the minds of some of the most creative individuals.

I especially enjoyed Billy Wilder, Robert Gottlieb, Elizabeth Bishop and Jack Gilbert. Their works offer unique perspectives and insights.

Billy Wilder's films are known for their sharp wit and social commentary. Robert Gottlieb's editing has shaped many classic works. Elizabeth Bishop's poetry is rich in imagery and emotion. And Jack Gilbert's work explores themes of love, loss and the human condition.

By studying their work, we can gain a better understanding of the creative process and perhaps even be inspired to create something of our own.

The Paris Review Interviews are truly worth reading.

Personally, I found the interviews even more interesting after having read the author's work.

One remarkable aspect of these interviews is that the questions are highly focused on the writing process and the purpose behind the author's work. This is in stark contrast to the majority of interviews done for PR purposes, which make up about 99.9% of the interviews we come across these days.

After reading one of these interviews, you definitely don't get the immediate urge to rush out and buy a book by the interviewed author. I'm not certain if this makes the interviews seem more "serious" or "scholarly," but it's an important point to consider if you're anticipating that this book will read like Interview Magazine.

Overall, the Paris Review Interviews offer a unique and valuable perspective on the world of writing and authorship.

I have a profound affection for the Paris reviews.

It has always been my great curiosity to understand precisely how they managed to assemble the entire collection and what the detailed process entailed.

Admittedly, from my personal perspective, a few of the shorts and interviews seemed a trifle dull. However, when considering the overall picture, I truly have a great fondness for it.

The Paris reviews possess a unique charm that keeps drawing me in. I am firmly determined to read an abundance more of them.

I firmly believe that there are countless treasures yet to be discovered within their pages, waiting to enrich my literary experience and broaden my horizons.

I look forward to delving deeper into the world of the Paris reviews and uncovering the hidden gems that lie within.

Each issue holds the promise of new and exciting literary adventures, and I cannot wait to embark on them.

The Paris Reviews Interviews is truly a remarkable and wonderful book.

It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that centers around the intricate process of writing various forms of literature.

Not only does it provide valuable insights into the craft of writing, but it also features a plethora of good and highly amusing conversations with some of the most well-known and respected authors.

The exchanges between the interviewers and the authors are both enlightening and entertaining, offering a fascinating peek into the minds and creative processes of these literary giants.

If you have a passion for writing or simply enjoy a cozy and intelligent exchange of views and opinions between bright adults, then I cannot recommend this book enough.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of literature and the art of writing.