Wallace Stegner: His Life and Work

Wallace Stegner is my favorite author.

Recently, I was overjoyed to discover this outstanding biography in a local used book store.

The book, written by Jackson Benson, an English professor at San Diego State University, offers a comprehensive and perceptive exploration of both Stegner's professional achievements and his personal life.

It takes us on a journey from his childhood in Saskatchewan to his retirement years in Los Altos, CA.

Throughout the narrative, we gain insights into Stegner's family, his academic pursuits at various institutions such as the University of Iowa, the University of Wisconsin, Harvard, the University of Utah, and Stanford University.

We also learn about the backstories behind many of his renowned works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Angle of Repose, as well as The Big Rock Candy Mountain, The Gathering of Zion, and Crossing to Safety.

Stegner is depicted as a disciplined, thoughtful, and hardworking writer and teacher.

He not only became the preeminent author of the American West but also a dedicated environmentalist and a caring mentor to his students.

This book is an excellent read and a captivating study of the factors that shaped Stegner's characters and style.

Now, I eagerly anticipate re-reading many of Stegner's works with the new perspective that this biography has provided.

This is a biography that is truly worthy of my favorite fiction writer.

As soon as I read Crossing to Safety, I became an immediate fan of Wallace Stegner. And I would definitely consider The Big Rock Candy Mountain to be one of my top three favorite stories.

I greatly admire the way Stegner approaches characters. This biography has been extremely helpful in explaining what makes Stegner such a singular and exceptional writer.

After reading this, I have a strong desire to read everything he has written. I want to reread all his fiction that I have enjoyed over the past decade and then explore all of his non-fiction as well. This includes a biography of Powell that masterfully draws together the history of the west, the spirit of conservation, and the story of a one-of-a-kind explorer.

If Stegner found a subject fascinating or important, it is certain that he will write about it with engaging imagery and vivid emotional honesty. I am truly in awe of his meticulous care with words and his unwavering sense of what makes writing truly work.

His works have had a profound impact on me, and I look forward to delving deeper into his literary world.

I read this passage quite fast. However, a scholar would approach it with a slower and more deliberate pace.

I recall having a deep affection for "Angle of Repose" a long time ago. This book had left a lasting impression on me, and it made me eager to know more about the author.

Interestingly, the author shares my love for California. This commonality further piqued my interest in getting to know him better.

I wonder what kind of experiences and perspectives the author had that led to the creation of such a remarkable work.

By delving deeper into the author's life and background, I hope to gain a better understanding of the inspiration and motivation behind "Angle of Repose."

Perhaps this exploration will also enhance my appreciation for the book and its themes.

I look forward to uncovering the secrets and stories that lie within the author's mind and works.

More than half a century ago, I enrolled in a college course on the short story.

The professor was distinguished-looking and highly articulate, with a fondness for discovering literary epiphanies and for the writings of Bret Harte. I knew nothing about Wallace Stegner personally, and the only thing I recognized about his professional career was that he had co-edited a collection of short stories that was one of the course texts.

My youthful ignorance of Stegner's life and works has been belatedly but amply remediated by Jackson Benson's excellent biography of him. Benson knew Stegner personally and had his cooperation for the project. However, as his subject once playfully predicted, the biography did not come to fruition until after Stegner's death.

Wallace Stegner's fiction was firmly entrenched in the realist tradition. Although it was not purely autobiographical, a good bit of it drew heavily from his own history, including humble origins and a difficult childhood. (Little did I realize that the man lecturing on James Joyce had once lived in a family tent and traveled from one homestead to another by horse and wagon.) Benson adroitly identifies the factual elements in Stegner's novels and short stories, placing them in the context of Stegner's rich and interesting life. He also offers extended critical but balanced commentary on many of Stegner's writings.

At the time of my encounter with him, Stegner had already achieved considerable distinction if not commensurate recognition. He had published eight novels and a lot of assorted non-fiction. Typecast as a "Western writer" (he was indeed that, but much more), even his later work often failed to attract attention in the Eastern press. Neither his Pulitzer Prize novel Angle of Repose nor his National Book Award novel The Spectator Bird received reviews in The New York Times. Although Stegner was anything but self-aggrandizing, his pride was understandably wounded by such exclusions.

As a university professor, Stegner taught a few antagonistic students whose reputations soon exceeded his own, a fact that he sometimes found galling. A strong traditionalist, he was particularly distressed by the attitudes expressed by "hippies" and "acid freaks" who rejected the "system" without proposing any positive replacements. Needless to say, Stegner was not enamored of the acclaim that Ken Kesey received, although he was apparently quite content with the successes of other former students such as Edward Abbey, Wendell Berry, and Larry McMurtry.

Wallace Stegner was not only an author; he was a political and environmental activist. He participated in anti-war demonstrations, served briefly as an assistant to Secretary of the Interior Stuart Udall during the Kennedy administration, and held a four-year appointment on the board of the Sierra Club. His passionate environmental concerns frequently showed up in his books and articles.

I remember Stegner as a modest man who exuded delight in sharing his enthusiasm for good literature with his students. You didn't get lectures like Wallace Stegner's from a stuffed shirt. And he wasn't one.

Overall, Wallace Stegner was a complex and multi-faceted individual. His works were a reflection of his life experiences and his beliefs. He was a talented writer, a dedicated professor, and an active advocate for various causes. His contributions to literature and society will be remembered for years to come.

Phew. This book has been in-progress for a LONG time but I have my reasons!

Stegner is truly one of my favorite authors. What an amazing and prolific writer he was! He wrote a whopping 60 books, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction. In addition to that, he penned numerous essays and articles, taught writing, traveled extensively with his wife, gave lectures, and even won a Pulitzer prize. Not to mention his tremendous amount of work on the conservation of natural resources and years of in-depth study of the 'west'.

This biography is extremely well-written and very thorough. At times, it might be a bit more detailed than I needed, but nevertheless, I learned a great deal from it. I haven't read every single novel he wrote, but after reading this biography, I am now inspired to do so.

If you have not read his work before, this book may not hold as much meaning for you. However, it might very well encourage you to check out his writings. {I hope I just managed to convey that in less than 423 pages of rather small print.}

Interesting,

however, it seems to have a bit too much detail for my taste.

I appreciate the effort put into providing so much information, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.

It might be beneficial to simplify or condense the content a little to make it more accessible and easier to digest.

Nevertheless, the topic is engaging, and I can see the value in the detailed exploration.

Perhaps with a bit of refinement, it could become an even more enjoyable read.

Overall, it's a good start, and I look forward to seeing how it develops further.

Wallace Stegner was a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on the American West.

He was not only a talented writer but also a passionate advocate for the preservation of the West's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Stegner's works, such as "Angle of Repose" and "Big Rock Candy Mountain," vividly描绘了 the landscapes, people, and history of the region.

His writing style was both lyrical and engaging, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of the American West.

Beyond his literary achievements, Stegner was also actively involved in environmental conservation efforts.

He recognized the importance of protecting the West's unique ecosystems and worked to raise awareness about the need for sustainable development.

His contributions to the understanding and appreciation of the American West continue to inspire generations of readers and conservationists alike.

In conclusion, Wallace Stegner was a true visionary whose work and activism have had a profound impact on the American West.

His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Even for fans, this book details a life and mind far more amazing than we would have envisioned.

It takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through the pages, revealing the hidden depths and remarkable experiences of the subject.

The author has done an excellent job of painting a vivid picture, allowing us to truly understand the complexity and wonder of this individual's existence.

We are left in awe of the achievements and the unique perspective that is presented.

This book is not just a biography; it is a captivating exploration of a life that defies expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in delving into the extraordinary lives of others and being inspired by their stories.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply curious, this book will surely exceed your expectations and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of a remarkable life.