Lots of valuable insights can be gained from the works of writers, screenwriters, editors, and poets. Their words have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether it's a beautifully crafted novel, a captivating screenplay, a well-edited piece of journalism, or a profound poem, each form of writing offers a unique perspective on the human experience.

By reading the works of these talented individuals, we can expand our vocabulary, improve our writing skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. We can learn about different cultures, historical events, and social issues, and we can also explore our own emotions and thoughts.

This collection of writings is an essential read for anyone who loves literature and wants to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the written word. So pick up a book, a magazine, or a poem today and start exploring the wonderful world of writing!

This was truly exceptionally well edited.

I highly appreciated the significant amount of crossover among the contributors. It was fascinating to see how they both gave credit to and critiqued their contemporaries.

This collection was extremely insightful, filled with numerous memorable quotes, valuable advice, and interesting details about the lives of iconic writers.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The selected interviews all had an intimate feel, and each writer proved to be sharp, intelligent, and quick-witted.

The Paris Review interviews are always enlightening, but having said that, I did have a particular preference for certain features.

Ernest Hemingway and Jack Gilbert’s contributions were especially highlights for me. There was a big emphasis on Jack Gilbert. His short yet honest answers felt so personal and warm.

He seemed to have lived a life shaped by love as a philosophy, and he conveyed his legacy with such beauty.

Gilbert’s poignant and touching contribution alone is sufficient to justify the purchase of this book.

I will be reflecting on this collection for a considerable time.

Honorable mentions also go to Truman Capote and Billy Wilder’s interviews. As a huge fan of old Hollywood, their insights into the film industry of the 50s/60s were incredibly interesting and reading them felt like a journey through time.

I also enjoyed Robert Gottlieb’s interview, which provided an illuminating peek into the world of editing and the publishing industry. His exchanges with Toni Morrison were particularly memorable.

Likewise, I found Jorge Luis Borges’ bits of literary criticism to be fascinating. Overall, it is a great addition to my library.

Copying ruy by logging this in the stead of TPR spring edition!!

I truly loved some of the stories more than others. However, I deeply appreciated the themes of isolation, introspection, and growth that were present in all of them.

There are two stories that deserve honorable mentions. The first one is "This Is Everything There Will Ever Be" by Rivers Solomon. It presents a unique and thought-provoking perspective on life and the human condition.

The second story is "A Case Study" by Daniel Mason. It is a captivating piece that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Overall, these stories offer valuable insights and make for an enjoyable read. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for something different and meaningful.

A collection of sixteen captivating conversations with renowned participants in the American literary scene awaits you.

Here, you will find fascinating discussions with literary giants such as Ernest Hemingway, whose works are known for their raw and powerful prose. T. S. Eliot, with his profound and influential poetry, also shares his thoughts and insights.

Saul Bellow, a master of character and narrative, offers his unique perspective on the literary world. Jorge Luis Borges, the Argentine writer known for his imaginative and philosophical works, adds an international flavor to the collection.

Kurt Vonnegut, with his satirical and thought-provoking novels, engages in lively conversations. Robert Stone and Robert Gottlieb, both accomplished writers in their own right, contribute their wisdom and experiences.

And let's not forget Billy Wilder, the famous filmmaker who also had a deep understanding and appreciation of literature. These conversations provide a rare glimpse into the minds of these extraordinary individuals and offer valuable insights into the world of American literature.

Whether you are a literature enthusiast or simply curious about the creative process, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire you.

We went to a reading that Philip Gourevitch did from Vol 5 of this series.

It truly made me extremely excited to read these interviews.

This volume encompassed a plethora of interesting authors, and it was utterly fascinating to witness their unique personalities shining through.

The way they expressed themselves and their ideas was captivating.

After experiencing this wonderful reading, perhaps I'll decide to move on to Vol 2.

I'm eager to explore more of these interviews and discover the diverse perspectives and stories that lie within.

Each volume seems to hold a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to be unearthed.

I can't wait to see what Vol 2 has in store for me.

**Bound - Miami SunPost**

Nov. 20, 2008

A Gentleman Among Men

George Plimpton Was All That and Then Some

By John Hood

George Plimpton and I first crossed paths at his Manhattan home in either ’90 or ’91. He was hosting a wedding reception for then Paris Review Senior Editor Fayette Hickox. I was in the process of developing my ego and still a bit shy around celebrities. However, Plimpton made me feel right at home in his world. His world was filled with every notable 20th-century writer, and more famous names than any three compilations on fame. This only made his welcome even warmer and cooler at the same time.

The next day, Plimpton invited me to his place again. This time, it was for an interview for Paper Magazine. He insisted that I call him “George,” which was not an easy thing for me to do considering his stature. But he was firm. Besides, George was just too agreeable to argue with. Over the years, we met a couple more times. Most notably, at Brian Antoni’s Black & White Ball to celebrate the release of Truman Capote. On each occasion, George remained the perfect gentleman - impeccably mannered, effortlessly elegant, and truly kind.

Of course, I’m just one of the thousands who met George during his long and eventful life, and hardly one of his close friends. If we had been closer, I’m sure I’d be among the many remembrances in the remarkable “George, Being George” (Random House, $30). This oral history includes reflections from the likes of Gay Talese, Gore Vidal, William Styron, and Peter Matthiessen.

Subtitled “George Plimpton’s Life as Told, Admired, Deplored, and Envied by 200 Friends, Relatives, Lovers, Acquaintances, Rivals - and a Few Unappreciative Observers,” and expertly edited by his pal Nelson W. Aldrich Jr., “George” is not just the kind of oral history that few people deserve. It’s the kind that George himself would have definitely approved of. Why? Because it was a form he perfected with the books “Edie” and “Truman Capote.”

Yet neither Warhol’s tragic superstar nor the noted “non-fiction novelist” came close to covering as much ground as George Plimpton. He was born into wealth, died as the talk of the town, and in between, lived enough lives to account for any 50 people, provided those 50 never stopped fully living throughout their entire lives.

I’m talking about a man of both action and letters, often doing both simultaneously. As a participatory journalist for Sports Illustrated, George went three rounds with then light heavyweight champ Archie Moore, quarterbacked the Detroit Lions, goaled for the Boston Bruins, hit the PGA Tour alongside Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and flew through the air with the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus. Each of these feats and more are discussed in “George,” some with envy, some with pride, and all with complete awe.

But beyond the books and the exploits, George will perhaps be best remembered for The Paris Review, which he led for the last 50-plus years of his life. Founded in ’53 by Peter Matthiessen and Harold “Doc” Humes and essentially given to George shortly after, The Paris Review remains perhaps the most influential literary journal in history. This is mostly due to its interviews, which began with E.M. Forster and include virtually every writer who has picked up a pen since.

Hemingway, Ellison, Faulkner, Greene, Burroughs, Miller, Bellow … name a 20th-century literary giant and The Paris Review has interviewed them. Some of these immortal interviews can now be found archived online. But to read them as they were truly meant to be read, I wholeheartedly recommend you pick up Pantheon’s “The Paris Review Interviews” (Picador, $16).

Of the three volumes currently available, it’s impossible for me to choose a favorite. So, I’ll just mention some personal highlights from each. In Volume I, I’m most partial to James M. Cain, Richard Price, and Dorothy Parker. Not because I don’t like Borges, Bellow, Hemingway, and Vonnegut (all of whom are also included), but because I really like crime and wisecracks. If Cain’s “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and Price’s “Clockers” don’t represent crime writing and Parker wasn’t the embodiment of a wisecrack, then I’ll eat my hat.

For Volume II, I’ll go with Graham Greene and William Faulkner. First, because of “The Comedians” and “Our Man in Havana,” and second, because of “As I Lay Dying” and “The Sound and the Fury.” I discovered all of these books when I was broke and a book was all I needed to get through a New York night.

In Volume III, I’ll take Raymond Carver, Norman Mailer, and Martin Amis. Carver’s ultimately inimitable short stories still amaze me. And on a couple of occasions, I got to meet Mailer, so his entry gets extra points. I’m proud to say that I too had the privilege of interviewing Amis.

And that brings me full circle. Like George, I believe in both words and action. And by George, I’m inspired to use both to the fullest. And while I might not do so with as much grace and good manners, I’ve at least been given a blueprint. And so have you.

http://miamisunpost.com/archives/2008...

Joseph Stroud, during his craft lecture at Centrum Pt. Townsend Writers' Conference in 2005(?), highly recommended reading ALL the Paris Review interviews.

These collections, of which there are 3 so far, offer an excellent opportunity to explore the interviews of a diverse range of writers who have been featured in the Paris Review over the years.

From the likes of Raymond Carver to Joyce Carol Oates, it涵盖了众多知名作家.

I have a deep affection for these books and often return to them for inspiration and valuable insights.

They provide a unique window into the minds and creative processes of some of the most influential writers of our time.

Whether you are a budding writer or simply a lover of literature, these interviews are sure to captivate and educate.

So, if you haven't already, I encourage you to pick up a copy of these collections and embark on a literary journey like no other.

You won't be disappointed.

I began reading this particular piece last year, and I was immediately enamored.

There were an abundance of remarkable quotations and minute details that not only showcased the greatness of these authors but also, at times, made them rather exasperating.

I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to do something with it. I wanted to gather my thoughts and compile my favorite snippets from each interview and present them all in one place.

So, I momentarily ceased reading it, and then, quite accidentally, altogether. However, I have a plan to return to it after the summer and execute my somewhat unoriginal plan regarding it.

I'm looking forward to delving back into this work and seeing how my ideas come to fruition.

Rivista prestigiosa, scrittori mitici, interviste intriganti. Questa è una miscela esplosiva ed esclusiva per chi ama leggere. Le interviste sono in puro stile anglosassone, e in questo caso è un complimento. Sono asciutte, precise, senza gigioneggiamenti, e vanno dritte al cuore della tecnica, della prassi dello scrivere, prima ancora che alla ricerca delle radici della passione di farlo.

Parlavamo dei mostri sacri, e su tutti direi che meritano una menzione particolare il monumentale (e un po' trombone) Hemingway, il brillante Wilder, ma soprattutto l'impagabile Vonnegut. Ogni scrittore ha la sua storia, la sua esperienza, e queste interviste permettono di intravederne qualcosa.

Per chi vuole approfondire la conoscenza dello scrivere, questa rivista è un vero gioiello. Offre spunti di riflessione, idee nuove, e un modo differente di vedere il mondo attraverso le parole dei grandi scrittori. È un must per tutti gli amanti della letteratura.

Great for writers!

Here, you can learn the ins and outs of what renowned writers like Hemingway and Capote think of the writing process.

Hemingway, known for his简洁 and powerful prose, had his own unique approach. He believed in starting with a clear vision and then working meticulously to bring it to life.

Capote, on the other hand, was more of a perfectionist. He would spend countless hours researching and crafting his stories, paying attention to every detail.

By studying their thoughts and methods, you can gain valuable insights into the art of writing.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this knowledge can help you improve your own writing skills and find your own voice.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the masters and take your writing to the next level!

BEST. BOOK. EVER. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone with a passion for literature, a curiosity about authors, or a desire to gain a fascinating insight into the artistic process. The remarkable George Plimpston and his friends have conducted interviews with an impressive array of literary giants, ranging from T.S. Eliot to Dorothy Parker to Ernest Hemingway and back again. The interview with Kurt Vonnegut is particularly captivating, as it delves in part into his experience of writing about Dresden. It will truly blow your mind and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of words and the creative minds behind them.

I've only read a couple of works so far, but I'm really struck by the significant generational divide in how I respond to the newer writers compared to the older ones. For example, when it comes to Hemingway and Eliot.

It's quite interesting to note that Hemingway had a unique writing habit of standing up to write. Did everyone else know about this?

This difference in writing styles and habits between the generations can have a profound impact on the way their works are received and understood. The newer writers may bring fresh perspectives and innovative techniques, while the older ones have left a lasting legacy with their classic works.

As I continue to explore more literature from different eras, I'm eager to see how this generational divide will further shape my understanding and appreciation of the written word.