Kurt Vonnegut: Letters
 | |
| Editor | Dan Wakefield |
|---|---|
| Author | Kurt Vonnegut |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Non-fiction, Letters |
| Publisher | Delacorte Press |
Publication date | October 30, 2012 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback), E-book, Audiobook |
| Pages | 464 |
| OCLC | 796759767 |
| 818/.5409 | |
| LC Class | PS3572.O5 A6 2012 |
Kurt Vonnegut: Letters is a collection of letters written by American author Kurt Vonnegut, edited by his friend and fellow writer Dan Wakefield. Published by Delacorte Press on October 30, 2012, the book compiles a wide range of Vonnegut's correspondence spanning his entire life, offering insight into his personal thoughts, relationships, and the development of his literary career.[1]
Background
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) was a renowned American author known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels, including Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions.[2] Over his lifetime, he wrote numerous letters to friends, family, editors, and fellow writers.[1] This collection was meticulously compiled and edited by Dan Wakefield, who was a close friend of Vonnegut.[3] Wakefield provides context and annotations throughout the book, enriching the reader's understanding of the letters' significance.[1]
Content
The letters in the collection cover a wide range of topics, including Vonnegut's experiences during World War II, his views on politics and society, his struggles and triumphs as a writer, and his personal relationships.[4] The book is divided into sections that correspond to different periods in Vonnegut's life, offering a chronological perspective on his development as an individual and an author.[4]
Reception
Kurt Vonnegut: Letters received positive reviews from critics and readers alike.[5] Reviewers praised the book for its candid and intimate portrayal of Vonnegut, as well as the insightful annotations by Wakefield.[6] The collection has been lauded as a valuable resource for fans of Vonnegut's work and scholars studying his contributions to American literature.[7]
Notable Letters
Some of the notable letters included in the collection are:
- A letter to his family describing his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.[8]
- Correspondence with his editor discussing the challenges and successes of publishing his novels.[9]
- Letters to fellow writers such as Norman Mailer and Joseph Heller.[10]
See Also
References
- ^ a b c "Kurt Vonnegut: Letters". Penguin Random House. Penguin Random House. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Kurt Vonnegut Biography". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Dan Wakefield on Editing Kurt Vonnegut's Letters". NPR. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "For Vonnegut, Writer of Letters, Lives On". NPR. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Book Review: Kurt Vonnegut: Letters". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Kurt Vonnegut's Letters: Correspondence with an Unforgettable Author". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Kurt Vonnegut: Letters". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ Vonnegut, Kurt (2012). Wakefield, Dan (ed.). Kurt Vonnegut: Letters. Delacorte Press. pp. 45–47.
- ^ Vonnegut, Kurt (2012). Wakefield, Dan (ed.). Kurt Vonnegut: Letters. Delacorte Press. pp. 132–135.
- ^ Vonnegut, Kurt (2012). Wakefield, Dan (ed.). Kurt Vonnegut: Letters. Delacorte Press. pp. 220–223.