Man Who Wasn't There: A Life of Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was a complex and contradictory figure, whose work was influenced by his unpredictable personality traits. This new biography, based on previously unpublished letters from the Hemingway archives, provides a fresh understanding of his oeuvre and how he erased his own existence through invention and delusion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Ernest Hemingway, a writer of the 20th century, was a complex and enigmatic figure who underwent a remarkable transformation throughout his life. Initially portraying himself as a hero, aesthetic radical, and existential non-conformist, he later revealed a darker side characterized by selfishness, hypocrisy, self-delusion, narcissism, and arbitrary vindictiveness. Richard Bradford, in his comprehensive biography, delves into the erratic and unique nature of Hemingway's work, attributing it to the unpredictable and bizarre features of his personality.

Impressionism and subjectivity played a significant role in Hemingway's literary creations, and he often embraced these elements as essential to his artistic expression. While some authors attempted to suppress or control these aspects, Hemingway viewed them as integral to his authorial fingerprint. Bradford's biography, which includes previously unpublished letters from the Hemingway archives, provides a fresh perspective on the writer's life, shedding light on how he virtually erased his own existence through a lifetime of invention and delusion.

Through his meticulous research and analysis, Bradford offers a comprehensive understanding of Hemingway's oeuvre, exploring his novels, short stories, and essays in depth. He reveals how Hemingway's personal experiences, such as his military service, travel, and relationships, influenced his writing and shaped his artistic vision. Bradford also sheds light on the challenges Hemingway faced throughout his career, including his struggles with alcohol addiction, mental health, and the pressures of fame and success.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Bradford's biography is his exploration of Hemingway's relationships with women. He reveals how the writer's complex and often tumultuous relationships with his wives, lovers, and friends played a significant role in his life and work. Hemingway's relationships were characterized by a mixture of passion, loyalty, and betrayal, and they often reflected the themes of masculinity, identity, and the search for meaning in life.

Bradford's biography also provides valuable insights into Hemingway's writing process. He discusses how the writer approached his craft, from his meticulous research and attention to detail to his use of vivid imagery and powerful storytelling. Bradford sheds light on Hemingway's influences, both literary and cultural, and how they shaped his work.

In conclusion, Richard Bradford's biography of Ernest Hemingway is a groundbreaking and intensely revealing examination of the life of one of the 20th century's most iconic writers. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Bradford provides a comprehensive understanding of Hemingway's complex personality, his artistic vision, and his enduring influence on literature. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of literature and the enigmatic figure of Ernest Hemingway.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755600977