MAINE: A Literary Chronicle

by W. Storrs--Ed. Lee ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1968

The editor's stated purpose in compiling this anthology of writings about Maine is to provide a biography of Down East paradise, and danged if he doesn't do just that, in one of the best regional anthologies we've seen. In spite of some valiant but floundering attempts to reproduce Maine atonalities (the Maine rendering of ""cars"" thrills through the nasal passages oboe-fashion and can never be reproduced as ""cas""), Mr. Lee's commentaries, heralding each new selection from historical and autobiographical approach, are witty, discreetly concise, and much to the point. Once the misty madness of the old Norse sagas are passed, and the early diaries and downright lying of some of the early explorers are accomplished, some interesting and lively writing follows. Most of the New England intellectuals of the nineteenth century visited Maine and addressed themselves thereto in prose and poetry. However, there are delightful selections by undiscovered Mainers--amateur historians, humorists, or forgotten amusing gentlemen such as ""Artemus Ward"" and ""Bill Nye"" (his Fourth of July piece runs a close second to Twain and Leacock). Many Maine lady writers are here and auslanders including E. B. White. An intelligent, amusing, bedtime toddy.

Pub Date: June 1, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Funk & Wagnalls

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION