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Description
Author Michael Kreyling
Publisher Farrar Straus Giroux First Edition 1991
Format hardcover with dustjacket
Condition like new
Summary
Author and Agent is an illuminating exploration of the literary partnership between celebrated American writer Eudora Welty and her literary agent Diarmuid Russell. Michael Kreyling expertly chronicles their decades-long professional relationship, which was built on mutual respect, keen editorial guidance, and an unwavering commitment to preserving Welty’s artistic integrity.
Welty, known for her evocative Southern storytelling and lyrical prose, found a steadfast champion in Russell, who guided her career through the shifting landscape of mid-20th-century publishing. Their correspondence, marked by humor, candor, and a deep sense of trust, sheds light on the inner workings of the literary world and the crucial role agents play in shaping literary legacies.
Kreyling’s engaging narrative weaves together letters, archival materials, and historical context to offer readers an intimate portrait of not just a business partnership, but a friendship that fostered some of the most enduring works of American literature. Essential reading for fans of literary history, Welty enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of publishing, Author and Agent is both a tribute and a case study of how great literature finds its place in the world.
Eudora Welty (1909–2001) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer known for her evocative portrayals of Southern life. A master of the short story, she captured the complexities of human relationships with wit, compassion, and lyrical prose. Her works, including The Optimist’s Daughter and A Curtain of Green, cemented her legacy as one of the greatest voices in American literature.