Graham Greene: A Life In Letters

Richard Greene , Graham Greene

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One of the undisputed masters of English prose in the twentieth century, Graham Greene (1904-91) wrote tens of thousands of personal letters. This substantial volume presents a new and engrossing account of his life constructed out of his own words. Meticulously chosen and engagingly annotated, this selection of Greene's letters - including many to his family and close friends that were unavailable even to his official biographer - gives an entirely new perspective on a life that combined literary achievement, political action, espionage, travel, and romantic entanglement.

The letters describe his travels in Mexico, Africa, Malaya, Vietnam, Haiti, Cuba and other trouble spots, where he observed the struggles of victims and victors with a compassionate and truthful eye. The book includes a vast number of unpublished letters to Evelyn Waugh, Auberon Waugh, Anthony Powell, Edith Sitwell, R. K. Narayan, Muriel Spark and other leading writers of the time. Some letters reveal the agonies of his romantic life, especially his relations with his wife, Vivien Greene, and with his mistress Catherine Walston. The sheer range of experience contained in Greene's correspondence defies comparison.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Insights into Personal Life: The letters reveal intimate details about Greene's personal life, including his relationships, struggles, and innermost thoughts, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the literary legend.

  2. Literary Influences: Greene's letters often discuss his literary influences, including authors he admired, books he enjoyed, and the creative processes behind his own writing, shedding light on the sources of his inspiration and creativity.

  3. Political Engagements: Greene was deeply engaged in political and social issues of his time, and his letters reflect his passionate advocacy for causes such as anti-colonialism, anti-fascism, and human rights, offering valuable insights into his political beliefs and activism.

  4. Travel Experiences: The letters document Greene's extensive travels around the world, from Africa to Asia to Latin America, providing vivid descriptions of his experiences and encounters with different cultures, landscapes, and people.

  5. Reflections on Religion: Religion was a recurring theme in Greene's work, and his letters often contain reflections on his own religious beliefs, doubts, and spiritual journey, offering readers a glimpse into his complex relationship with faith.

  6. Friendships and Correspondence: Greene's letters reveal his friendships with fellow writers, intellectuals, and artists, including Evelyn Waugh, Cyril Connolly, and John le Carré, among others, showcasing the camaraderie and intellectual exchanges that shaped his life and work.

  7. Creative Process: Readers gain insights into Greene's creative process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of writing, editing, and revising his novels, providing valuable lessons for aspiring writers and scholars.

  8. Personal Struggles: Greene's letters candidly discuss his personal struggles with depression, loneliness, and self-doubt, offering a glimpse into the psychological complexities of a literary genius.

  9. Critique and Controversy: The letters reflect on the critical reception and controversies surrounding Greene's work, including debates over censorship, morality, and the portrayal of sensitive subjects such as politics, religion, and sexuality.

  10. Legacy and Influence: Finally, "Graham Greene: A Life in Letters" illuminates Greene's enduring legacy as one of the 20th century's greatest novelists, showcasing the impact of his work on literature, film, and popular culture, and inspiring readers to explore his rich and multifaceted oeuvre.

Language English
ISBN-10 0349119147
ISBN-13 9780349119144
No of pages 480
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Abacus
Published Date 02 Oct 2008

About Author

Author : Richard Greene

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