The Fine Art of Literary Fist-Fighting: How a Bunch of Rabble-Rousers, Outsiders, and Ne’er-do-wells Concocted Creative Nonfiction

Lee Gutkind, a leather-clad hippie motorcyclist, and former public relations writer, fought to make creative nonfiction an accepted academic discipline in the 1970s. He documents the evolution of the genre, discussing the lives and work of practitioners such as Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe, Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Rachel Carson, Upton Sinclair, Janet Malcolm, and Vivian Gornick, and highlights the ethics of writing creative nonfiction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

Lee Gutkind, a leather-clad hippie motorcyclist and former public relations writer, embarked on a remarkable journey in the 1970s. With unwavering determination, he sought to elevate creative nonfiction to the same esteemed status as poetry, drama, and fiction within the academic realm. Gutkind's unwavering pursuit led him to challenge his colleagues and advocate for the recognition of creative nonfiction as a vital and indispensable discipline.

In his captivating book, Gutkind unveils the true story of how creative nonfiction emerged as a dominant genre, captivating readers and writers alike. This genre, characterized by the fusion of true stories with relevant ideas, insights, and personal anecdotes, provided a liberating platform for writers, enabling them to explore uncharted creative territories. It also opened doors to a diverse range of individuals, including doctors, lawyers, and construction workers, who felt compelled to share their unique stories and experiences with the world.

Gutkind meticulously documents the evolution of creative nonfiction, delving into the lives and work of renowned practitioners such as Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe, Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Rachel Carson, Upton Sinclair, Janet Malcolm, and Vivian Gornick. He also highlights the ethical considerations involved in writing creative nonfiction, emphasizing the delicate balance between fact and fiction.

Through his book, Gutkind not only chronicles the story of a genre but also pays tribute to the individual who played a pivotal role in bringing it to the forefront of the literary and journalistic world. His unwavering dedication and passion for creative nonfiction have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, inspiring generations of writers and readers alike.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300251159