The Half-Known World: On Writing Fiction (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781555975043)

A rigorous examination of the workings of fiction by the novelist Robert Boswell, one of America's finest writers (Tom Perrotta)

Robert Boswell has been writing, reading, and teaching literature for more than twenty years. In this sparkling collection of essays, he brings this vast experience and a keen critical eye to bear on craft issues facing literary writers. Examples from masters such as Leo Tolstoy, Flannery O'Connor, and Alice Munro illustrate this engaging discussion of what makes great writing.

At the same time, Boswell moves readers beyond the classroom, candidly sharing the experiences that have shaped his own writing life. A chance encounter in a hotel bar leads to a fascinating glimpse into his imaginative process. And through the story of a boyhood adventure, Boswell details how important it is for writers to give themselves over to what he calls the half-known world of fiction, where surprise and meaning converge.

Author: Robert Boswell
ISBN-10: 1555975046
ISBN-13: 9781555975043
Publisher: Graywolf Press
Language: English
Published: 07/22/2008
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.57lbs
Size: 8.32h x 5.60w x 0.56d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/23/2008 pg. 49