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Delve into the heart of twentieth-century American literature with 'The Insider: Malcolm Cowley and the Triumph of American Literature' by Gerald Howard, a masterful exploration of the man who shaped the literary canon we know today. This compelling biography offers more than just a life story; it provides a detailed, intimate accounting of the forces that elevated authors like Hemingway, Faulkner, and Kerouac to legendary status. 'The Insider' is a must-read for anyone passionate about the stories behind the great books and the intricate process of how literary history is made.

About the Author Gerald Howard

Gerald Howard is a towering figure in the American publishing world, having retired as the executive editor and vice president of Doubleday Books in 2021. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been the guiding hand for an array of literary luminaries, including Don DeLillo, Paul Auster, David Foster Wallace, and Hanya Yanagihara. His exceptional contributions to the field were recognized with the 2009 Maxwell E. Perkins Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Fiction, making him an incredibly fitting chronicler of another great literary influencer.

The Insider Summary PDF

While Malcolm Cowley may not be a household name today, Gerald Howard's 'The Insider' argues compellingly that the American literary landscape would be vastly different without him. This biography provides a majestic reckoning with the ascent of American fiction, viewed through the prism of Cowley's multifaceted career. From his early days as a contemporary of the "Lost Generation" in Paris to his influential tenure at Viking Press, Cowley was a prototypical "man of letters" who became one of the most powerful critics and tastemakers of his time. The book meticulously details his crucial role in framing the literary discourse around Hemingway and Fitzgerald, his revival of William Faulkner's fading reputation, and his later engagement with the Beat Generation and the 1960s counterculture. 'The Insider' presents a vivid narrative of a man who was a prime mover in the often murky business of canon formation, telling a larger story about art, industry, and a nation undergoing profound change. Howard masterfully illustrates how Cowley’s influence echoed through decades, shaping the very definition of American literature.

The Power of a Literary Gatekeeper

One of the most fascinating aspects explored in 'The Insider' is the immense power wielded by a figure like Malcolm Cowley. In an era before the internet democratized opinion, critics and editors held the keys to the kingdom of literary success. Howard provides an intimate look at how Cowley's reviews, essays, and editorial choices could make or break a writer's career. His advocacy was not merely a matter of personal taste; it was a deliberate and often strategic effort to shape the national conversation about what constituted important American writing. The book serves as a compelling case study in the dynamics of cultural influence and the responsibilities that come with being a literary gatekeeper. It's a profound reminder that the books we cherish as classics are not just products of individual genius, but also of a complex ecosystem of critics, publishers, and intellectual champions.

A Cultural History of an Era

More than just a biography, 'The Insider' functions as a rich cultural history of the United States from the 1920s to the 1960s. The literary movements Cowley was a part of did not exist in a vacuum. They were deeply intertwined with the social and political currents of the time, from the post-WWI disillusionment that fueled the Lost Generation to the political radicalism of the 1930s and the cultural upheavals of the 1960s. Gerald Howard expertly weaves these threads together, showing how Cowley navigated these turbulent waters and how literature both reflected and influenced the changing American identity. The narrative is populated with a dazzling cast of characters, and through Cowley's story, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the intellectual and artistic fervor that defined these decades. It's a book that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of literature, history, and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Insider

1. Who was Malcolm Cowley, the main subject of 'The Insider'?

   Malcolm Cowley was a highly influential American literary critic, editor, poet, and historian. He is renowned for his work in chronicling the 'Lost Generation' of writers in the 1920s and for his significant role in shaping the American literary canon through his work at The New Republic and Viking Press. Cowley's efforts were instrumental in reviving the reputation of authors like William Faulkner and in championing many others who are now considered literary giants.

2. What is the 'Lost Generation' and how is it connected to this book?

   The 'Lost Generation' refers to the generation of writers and artists who came of age during World War I and felt disillusioned by the societal norms and values of the post-war era. Many of these individuals, including iconic figures like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, expatriated to Europe, particularly Paris. Malcolm Cowley was a key member and chronicler of this group, and his book 'Exile's Return' is a seminal work on their experiences. 'The Insider' delves deeply into Cowley’s relationship with and influence on this pivotal literary movement.

3. Why is the concept of 'canon formation' important to understanding 'The Insider'?

   ‘Canon formation’ is the process by which certain literary works are deemed great, essential, and worthy of study, thereby shaping our collective cultural and literary heritage. This process is a central theme in 'The Insider' because Malcolm Cowley was a 'prime mover' in this very process for American literature in the 20th century. The book explores how Cowley's critical judgment and editorial decisions helped elevate certain authors and works into the canon, influencing what generations of readers have come to know as classic American literature.

4. Which famous authors did Malcolm Cowley champion?

   Malcolm Cowley was instrumental in the careers of many celebrated authors. He was a staunch supporter of the 'Lost Generation' writers, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Perhaps most notably, he is credited with almost single-handedly reviving William Faulkner’s career when his works were falling into obscurity. Later in his career, he also played a key role in the publication and recognition of Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac and counter-culture figures such as Ken Kesey.

5. What makes Gerald Howard qualified to write a biography of Malcolm Cowley?

   Gerald Howard is uniquely positioned to write this biography due to his own extensive and celebrated career in the literary world. As the former executive editor and vice president of Doubleday Books, he has worked with a host of major contemporary authors, including Don DeLillo, David Foster Wallace, and Bill Bryson. This firsthand experience as an editor gives him profound insight into the world of publishing and the complex dynamics of literary reputation that he explores in 'The Insider.' Howard is also a recipient of the prestigious Maxwell E. Perkins Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Fiction.