THEODORE DREISER: Apostle of Nature

by Robert H. Elias ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 17, 1948

Although this biography is one of Dreiser's modes and techniques rather than his personal life, the man comes clearly through. He found himself late, but his early years were vital. The author establishes a pattern of poverty, frustration, confusion, repeated on an ascending spiral less personal with each turn, until the objective man is born. The newspaper years showed Dreiser's life in the cities. He became a free lancer and finally took time out to write sister Carrie. From the near success and the fiasco of this book, and its aftermath of mental stagnation, to the courage and stamina with which he met the attack on The Genius, this is a record of fruitful years. With The American Tragedy, Elias sees Dreiser as a world figure, true apostle of nature, more beset by world problems than his own. The adventures in Communism- the trip to Russia- involvement in liberal movements- and finally, in The Bulwark, the logical, aesthetic embodiment of Dreiser's philosophic beliefs, this is a case history. The notes at the end of the book authenticate the deductions of the author, showing precisely the sources of his conclusions. They form a rich compendium of the writer's output and development.... A book that aspiring authors would find invaluable as a study, that students of contemporary literature will find indispensable. Whether or not Dreiser is of interest to the general public is a question. We rather doubt it.

Pub Date: Jan. 17, 1948

ISBN: 1164509217

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1948

Categories: NONFICTION