Hemingway: A Biography

This was an extremely engaging and highly readable biography of one of America's most renowned and fabled writers. He served as a model for countless writers who followed in his footsteps. Although there were fluctuations in the quality of his writing overall, with peaks and valleys, his life was truly fascinating and intense. The book also contained some excellent and highly relevant advice for writers.

For instance, from the beginning of his career, Hemingway aimed to ground his fiction in reality. However, he strived to distill the essence of the experience, so that what he fabricated was truer than what we remembered. The vignettes from "In Our Time" vividly illustrated his new aesthetic theory.

Moreover, his basic principles of writing have had a profound and lasting influence. He emphasized the importance of studying the best literary models, mastering the subject through experience and reading, working in disciplined isolation, beginning early every morning and concentrating for several hours a day, starting by reading everything one has written from the start or, if engaged in a long book, from the last chapter, writing slowly and deliberately, stopping when things are going well and one knows what will happen next to have sufficient momentum for the next day, not discussing the material while writing about it, not thinking about writing when finished for the day but allowing the subconscious mind to ponder it, working continuously on a project once started, keeping a record of daily progress, and making a list of titles after completing the work.

Hemingway's works such as "The Sun Also Rises", "A Farewell to Arms", and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" are among my favorites. I also reread his "The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway" and found it to be truly fantastic. The book offers a wealth of insights into the events in the writer's life that had a significant impact on his writing and inspired his characters, especially when it comes to understanding his short stories.

There was a great deal of irony in Hemingway's life, and the overshadowing of his father's suicide had a profound influence on much of his writing and, of course, his ultimate destiny. He seemed to be somewhat obsessed with death and the idea of suicide. As noted in the book, in 1961, the year of his own suicide, Hemingway wrote to Carlos Baker expressing his thoughts on Fenton's suicide.

I also found the passages near the end of the book quite captivating. Hemingway was described as having an unusual knowledge and authority in depicting physical pleasure, the natural world, violent experience, and sudden death. He portrayed the heroic possibilities and tragic consequences of war, the psychic dislocation in battle, and the stoicism of survival. He created unsurpassed images of Italy, France, Spain, and Africa. As a man, he possessed intense idealism, curiosity, energy, strength, and courage. He attractively combined hedonism and hard work, was a great teacher of ritual and technique, and carried an aura of glamour and power. As an artist, he wrote as naturally as a hawk flies and as clearly as a lake reflects.

Hemingway's phrases have become an integral part of our language, such as "grace under pressure", "a separate peace", "death in the afternoon", "a clean, well-lighted place", and "a moveable feast". Norman Mailer's quote about Hemingway also added an interesting perspective, suggesting that he may have struggled with cowardice and a secret lust for suicide throughout his life, and that his inner landscape was a nightmare.

This biography is highly recommended for Hemingway fans who are seeking a deeper understanding of this uniquely powerful and ultimately human writer. It provides valuable insights into his life, work, and the complex personality that made him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

As a writer, Hemingway stands as a colossal figure in 20th century literature. His novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, holds a special place in my heart. It is the only novel that I devoured as a teenager and have continuously revisited, yet its charm never wanes. His two "African" stories – The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Snows of Kilimanjaro – are, in my opinion, the most exquisitely crafted short stories I have ever encountered. When he was at his best, his writing was nothing short of beautiful. He had honed a writing style during his days as a journalist – a style characterized by straight, clear language devoid of excessive adverbs and adjectives, combined with a shrewd and perceptive understanding of human psychology.

However, as a human being, Hemingway was far from flawless. In fact, he could often be quite despicable. He was cruel to his wives, turned his back on his entire family and friends, including Scott Fitzgerald and John Dos Passos. He physically attacked critics and on multiple occasions, challenged people to spar with him in the ring only to take advantage of the situation and beat them up. On the other hand, he did have a positive side. He was handsome, a charming storyteller, courageous, and could be quite generous with his money. Above all, he was a man of action. He participated in World War 1 and the Spanish Civil War, hunted big game in Africa, fished off the coast of Cuba, and even boxed. Despite never attending university, he was extremely well-read. He was a voracious reader, and his personal library boasted a collection of 9000 books.

Meyers has done an excellent job in breathing life into this complex man, who is easy to admire for his literary achievements but difficult to like due to his flawed character.

A thorough and honest portrayal of a giant man's strengths as well as his weaknesses is presented. Meyers' reflections on Hemingway's life, which are reflected in his art, serve as a lucid prism through which we can view both the man and the history. It is not often that I award 5 stars. However, I nearly did this time. The way Meyers delves into Hemingway's complex personality, uncovering his bravado and vulnerability, is truly remarkable. He shows us how Hemingway's experiences, both in war and in love, shaped his writing and his view of the world. By using Meyers' work as a lens, we gain a deeper understanding of Hemingway as a literary icon and as a human being. This is a book that anyone interested in Hemingway or in the history of American literature should read.

I truly relished this book.

It presents a thorough and detailed account of the writer's life, which is interspersed with perceptive psychological and literary analyses.

The biographer's broad perspective is also something that I really adored. He did an excellent job of contextualizing Hemingway's life within the wider historical framework.

I gleaned a great deal of knowledge from this book. I learned about Hemingway's creative process, which was both fascinating and inspiring.

I also gained insights into Cuban history, the Spanish war, and human nature.

The more I read, the more I discovered, and it was a truly enriching experience.

This book has not only deepened my understanding of Hemingway but also broadened my horizons in many aspects.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in literature, history, or human nature.

The first half of life is indeed far more enjoyable to explore and understand compared to the second. It holds a plethora of experiences, growth, and discoveries that shape a person's character and perspective.

Jeffrey Meyers, a highly intelligent and reliable writer, has delved deep into this subject. His research is extremely thorough, leaving no stone unturned. Even though additional sources have emerged since the publication of this book in 1985, his work still stands as a valuable contribution to the field.

Meyers' ability to present complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner makes his writing accessible to a wide range of readers. Whether one is interested in personal development, history, or simply gaining a better understanding of the human experience, his work offers valuable insights and perspectives.

Overall, Jeffrey Meyers' writing on the first half of life is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of this fascinating topic.

Ernest Hemingway is a renowned figure in the literary world, and this article offers a fascinating exploration of his life and works.

It is mostly a biography, with a touch of literary analysis of his masterpieces. The overall reading experience is engaging and captivating. However, there is a drawback. When the author compares real people in Hemingway's life to the literary figures in his books, it can sometimes make the narrative a bit muddled.

While this comparison does shed light on how Hemingway drew inspiration from his real-life experiences and personal relationships, it also has the potential to confuse the reader. Nevertheless, it is still a good biography on Hemingway and is well worth the time and effort to read.

It provides valuable insights into the mind and creative process of this literary giant, making it a must-read for fans of Hemingway and those interested in the history of literature.

Before delving deep into the study of Hemingway's work, it is essential to read this. Hemingway is a renowned American author, celebrated for his unique writing style and profound exploration of human nature. His works are filled with vivid descriptions, intense emotions, and thought-provoking themes. By reading this preliminary material, one can gain a better understanding of Hemingway's life, his literary influences, and the historical context in which he wrote. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for a more in-depth analysis of his novels, short stories, and other literary works. It will also help the reader to appreciate the nuances and subtleties of Hemingway's writing, and to gain a deeper insight into the human condition as portrayed in his works.

The book is truly a disappointment. It comes across as boring and completely lacking in inspiration. In fact, a significant portion, about half of the book, seems entirely unnecessary. It reads more like a dry collection of facts rather than an engaging narrative. There is no real spark or creativity to draw the reader in and keep their interest. The author fails to bring the subject matter to life, leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled and disenchanted. It's a pity, as the topic had the potential to be quite interesting if presented in a more engaging and imaginative way. However, as it stands, this book is a forgettable read that offers little in the way of entertainment or enlightenment.