William Goyen

<p>Proclaimed one of the great American writers of short fiction by the <i>New York Times Book Review</i> William Goyen (1915-1983) had a quintessentially American literary career in which national recognition came only after years of struggle to find his authentic voice his audience and an artistic milieu in which to create. These letters which span the years 1937 to 1983 offer a compelling testament to what it means to be a writer in America.</p> <p>A prolific correspondent Goyen wrote regularly to friends family editors and other writers. Among the letters selected here are those to such major literary figures as W. H. Auden Archibald MacLeish Joyce Carol Oates William Inge Elia Kazan Elizabeth Spencer and Katherine Anne Porter.</p> <p>These letters constitute a virtual autobiography as well as a fascinating introduction to Goyen's work. They add an important chapter to the study of American and Texas literature of the twentieth century.</p>