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Novels, 1926-1929

william faulkner noel polk joseph blotner

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The Library of America edition of the novels of William Faulkner culminates with this volume presenting his first four, each newly edited, and, in many cases, restored with passages that were altered or (in the case of Mosquitoes) expurgated by the original publishers. This is Faulkner as he was meant to be read.


In these four novels we can track Faulkner's extraordinary evolution as, over the course of a few years, he discovers and masters the mode and matter of his greatest works. Soldiers' Pay (1926) expresses the disillusionment provoked by World War I through its account of the postwar experiences of homecoming soldiers, including a severely wounded R.A.F. pilot, in a style of restless experimentation. In Mosquitoes (1927), a raucous satire of artistic poseurs, many of them modeled after acquaintances of Faulkner in New Orleans, he continues to try out a range of stylistic approaches as he chronicles an ill-fated cruise on Lake Pontchartrain.


With the sprawling Flags in the Dust (published in truncated form in 1929 as Sartoris), Faulkner began his exploration of the mythical region of Mississippi that was to provide the setting for most of his subsequent fiction. Drawing on family history from the Civil War and after, and establishing many characters who recur in his later books, Flags in the Dust marks the crucial turning point in Faulkner's evolution as a novelist.


The volume concludes with Faulkner's masterpiece, The Sound and the Fury (1929). This multilayered telling of the decline of the Compson clan over three generations, with its complex mix of narrative voices and its poignant sense of isolation and suffering within a family, is one of the most stunningly original American novels.

1180 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6,2006

This edition

Format
1180 pages, Hardcover
Published
April 6, 2006 by Library of America
ISBN
9781931082891
ASIN
1931082898
Language
English

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About the author

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william faulkner

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William Cuthbert Faulkner was an American writer. He is best known for his novels and short stories set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, a stand-in for Lafayette County where he spent most of his life. A Nobel laureate, Faulkner is one of the most celebrated writers of American literature and often is considered the greatest writer of Southern literature.
Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi, and raised in Oxford, Mississippi. During World War I, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, but did not serve in combat. Returning to Oxford, he attended the University of Mississippi for three semesters before dropping out. He moved to New Orleans, where he wrote his first novel Soldiers' Pay (1925). He went back to Oxford and wrote Sartoris (1927), his first work set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County. In 1929, he published The Sound and the Fury. The following year, he wrote As I Lay Dying. Later that decade, he wrote Light in August, Absalom, Absalom! and The Wild Palms. He also worked as a screenwriter, contributing to Howard Hawks's To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep, adapted from Raymond Chandler's novel. The former film, adapted from Ernest Hemingway's novel, is the only film with contributions by two Nobel laureates.
Faulkner's reputation grew following publication of Malcolm Cowley's The Portable Faulkner, and he was awarded the 1949 Nobel Prize in Literature for "his powerful and unique contribution to the modern American novel." He is the only Mississippi-born Nobel laureate. Two of his works, A Fable (1954) and The Reivers (1962), won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Faulkner died from a heart attack on July 6, 1962, following a fall from his horse the month before. Ralph Ellison called him "the greatest artist the South has produced".

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Rating(3.6 / 5.0, 14 votes)
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14 reviews All reviews
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NekoTracyDesu_05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Pre-Yokna Faulkner, a profound exploration of what we pay for war.

It is truly a great deal. Here, he is developing his stylistic prowess in terms of skillfully shifting the narrative perspective and deftly juggling characters. Of course, this is not the only aspect that stands out.

The human and philosophical observations he makes are already remarkably sharp and prescient. Consider this passage, which seems to look forward to our current evangelistas: "We purchase our salvation as we do our real estate. Our God need not be compassionate, he need not be very intelligent, But he must have dignity."

Ah, dignity! It is a powerful concept that Faulkner touches upon here. In a world where war often brings destruction and chaos, the idea of dignity takes on even greater significance.

Faulkner's words make us reflect on the true cost of war and the values that we hold dear. His work serves as a reminder that we must be careful what we wish for and that the consequences of our actions can be far-reaching.

Overall, Pre-Yokna Faulkner is a thought-provoking piece that offers valuable insights into the human condition and the nature of war.
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TheScarletCutter
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In just three short years, Faulkner astonishingly made the leap. The first three novels were comparably slight and almost forgettable. However, he then produced the masterpiece of "The Sound and the Fury". It is truly remarkable.

I have read many authors in the Library of America collections, but I can't think of another one who could blow such a beautiful butterfly out of such a dull chrysalis. Faulkner's transformation as a writer in this short period is simply astounding.

His ability to evolve from creating rather unremarkable works to penning a literary classic is a testament to his genius and creative power. It makes one wonder what other great works he might have produced had he lived longer.

"The Sound and the Fury" stands as a shining example of his talent and a landmark in American literature.
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Wilio
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This book encompasses Faulkner's initial four novels and is the very first installment in a splendid series of five from the Library of America, which, when combined, constitute his collected novels.

The first two books within this collection, namely "Soldier's Pay" and "Mosquitos," are rather negligible, even for the most dedicated enthusiasts.

"Flags in the Dust" is the first novel Faulkner penned, set in the mythical Mississippi area that would subsequently serve as the backdrop for nearly all of his subsequent works. It is interesting if only because it lays the groundwork for this colossal epic.

I have just completed "The Sound and The Fury" for the first time since I was 18, and I am equally astounded by what an astonishing and challenging work it is. It is the first of his novels that truly discloses his perception of the profound emotions of such a diverse range of characters and individuals. And it is precisely this aspect that engages the reader because, similar to much of Faulkner's work, upon finishing the book, one looks back not on a single story but rather on a series of intersecting lives and relationships in all their complexity and beauty. I have a profound love for Faulkner.

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luridreverie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Four great novels.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these novels in chronological order. It is truly remarkable to witness the evolution of Faulkner's skills as he gradually settles into his own distinct and original voice.

With each successive novel, one can observe the refinement and growth in his writing style. The early works may display certain青涩 and experimental qualities, but as he progresses, Faulkner's ability to craft complex characters, intricate plots, and vivid descriptions becomes increasingly evident.

His use of language is masterful, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The novels transport the reader into the unique worlds and cultures that Faulkner has created, allowing us to explore the human condition in all its complexity.

Overall, reading these four great novels in chronological order has been a fascinating and rewarding journey, providing valuable insights into the development of one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.
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phoenixisla
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Faulkner's first four novels hold a significant place in the literary world.

The Sound and the Fury is widely regarded as a masterpiece. It showcases Faulkner's unique writing style and profound exploration of human nature.

The earlier three novels, although perhaps not as immediately memorable as The Sound and the Fury, are still worthy of being read. They offer valuable insights into Faulkner's evolution as a writer.

Each of these novels contributes to the overall body of his work and helps to build a more complete understanding of his literary vision.

For those interested in delving deeper into Faulkner's writing and the development of his ideas, reading all four of these novels is highly recommended.

It allows one to witness the growth and transformation of a literary giant and gain a greater appreciation for his remarkable contributions to literature.
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Recife
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Reviews:


- Soldier's Pay: This work offers a unique perspective on the experiences of soldiers. It delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil that they face, as well as the impact of war on their lives.


- Mosquitoes: The story of "Mosquitoes" is filled with intrigue and mystery. It takes the reader on a journey through a world of secrets and hidden motives, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end.


- Flags in the Dust: This novel explores themes of family, honor, and tradition. It paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, capturing the essence of a time when values were held dear and loyalty was everything.


- The Sound and the Fury: Considered one of the greatest works of American literature, "The Sound and the Fury" is a complex and deeply moving novel. It tells the story of the Compson family through the eyes of different narrators, each offering a unique perspective on the family's decline and the loss of their once-great Southern heritage. The novel is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. Click here to read more about this classic novel.
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The_TEKnician
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Sartoris is a significant novel in William Faulkner's body of work. It is the first novel that he set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, a place that would serve as the backdrop for fourteen more of his novels.

In this early work, Faulkner not only introduces the Sartoris family but also includes the Snopes. It is in Sartoris that he seems to have started to find his own unique literary voice, showing an improvement over his two previous novels, Soldiers' Pay and Mosquitoes.

The story focuses on a Southern family of the 'romantic' type, characterized by chivalry and courage, but often expressed in a haughty and vain manner. Bayard the younger, whose grandfather is also named Bayard, returns home after the Great War. He demonstrates a recklessness that is at odds with the traditional Sartoris family values, creating a tension between tradition and modernity that runs throughout the novel.

Faulkner's inimitable prose style is beginning to take shape in Sartoris. There are paragraphs that read like pure poetry in prose, although not as many as would be found in his later works. The combination of a compelling story, a sense of the characters' souls, vivid action, and intimations of the future makes Sartoris a satisfying introduction to the South as seen through the eyes of someone sitting on a porch in Yoknapatawpha County.
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eleventy12
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The first book of the 5-volume set where the Library of America gathers the indispensable work of this author. This volume includes \"Soldiers' Pay\" (1926), his first published novel, which I really liked; \"Mosquitoes\" (1927), which I didn't like as much (my reviews are in the links of the title of each book); it continues with \"Flags in the Dust\" (published in 1929 as \"Sartoris\") which I also liked a lot, and ends with \"The Sound and the Fury\" (1929), a true masterpiece of Literature.

As always, the carefully edited edition of the Library of America is worth the price! And it is the most recommended option to add real books to the library.

This collection not only showcases the author's early works but also provides a comprehensive view of his literary evolution. Each novel offers a unique perspective on different themes and literary styles. \"Soldiers' Pay\" introduces us to the author's talent for creating complex characters and exploring the aftermath of war. \"Mosquitoes\", although not as well-received by me, still has its own charm and literary value. \"Flags in the Dust\" and \"The Sound and the Fury\" are both considered classics and are essential reads for any literature enthusiast.

The Library of America's edition ensures that these works are presented in the best possible way, with accurate text and helpful annotations. It is a must-have for those who want to study and appreciate the works of this great author.
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