James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer

James Purdy was a twentieth-century American novelist, story writer, playwright, and poet who wrote about those on the margins of American society. He struggled to publish his work until friends financed the private printing of his work, and he found a champion in poet Dame Edith Sitwell. Purdy's critical reputation peaked in the 1960s, and he never enjoyed a bestseller, but his often queer and edgy content found a diverse following that included Tennessee Williams, Langston Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Dorothy Parker, Edward Albee, Jonathan Franzen, John Waters, and many LGBTQ readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

James Purdy, a twentieth-century American novelist, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the rediscovery of his work. His unique and often controversial writings delve into the lives of marginalized individuals, encompassing small towns, urban environments, failure, alienation, sexuality, and familial relationships. Purdy himself was a captivating figure, even eccentric, earning the admiration of Gore Vidal as an authentic American genius.

In his comprehensive biography, James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer, Michael Snyder delves into the life and career of this remarkable author. Over a decade of research has been invested in uncovering the mysteries of Purdy's life, including extensive interviews with those who knew him.

Born in northwestern Ohio, Purdy's journey took him to the vibrant world of Bohemian artists and jazz musicians in Chicago during the late 1930s and 1940s. He traveled extensively, studying in Mexico and enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Purdy's diverse experiences shaped his writing and contributed to his unique perspective.

Despite his aspiration to become a writer, Purdy faced numerous challenges in achieving publication. It was only when friends financed the private printing of his work that he found a champion in poet Dame Edith Sitwell, who helped secure his publication in England. This breakthrough led to his work being published in the United States.

After relocating to New York in 1957, Purdy settled in Brooklyn Heights and spent nearly fifty years writing. While his critical reputation peaked in the 1960s, he never achieved widespread commercial success. However, his often queer and edgy content resonated with a diverse audience, including notable figures such as Tennessee Williams, Langston Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Dorothy Parker, Edward Albee, Jonathan Franzen, John Waters, and many LGBTQ readers.

Purdy's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his craft. He was a difficult and often contrarian individual, who refused to conform to societal expectations. His writing reflects his unconventional views and his refusal to compromise his artistic vision.

In conclusion, James Purdy: Life of a Contrarian Writer is a definitive biography that provides a deep insight into the life and career of a twentieth-century American novelist whose work continues to captivate and inspire readers. Through extensive research and interviews, Snyder has brought to light the complexities and contradictions of Purdy's life, showcasing his talent as a writer and his enduring impact on American literature.

Weight: 796g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197609729