What an extraordinary and beautiful letter. Thanks for presenting the whole thing.
When I was younger, I rarely quoted much from my subjects, unless it was a passage of verse. As you say, I prized the smooth continuity of my prose.
But gradually I realized that quotation gives both additional energy and humanity to an essay or review. The author’s personality shines forth directly better than any paraphrase I could offer.
Isn’t it striking? I was amazed when I found it that it hasn’t been in Reeves. I agree the added humanity makes a lot of difference to a review. Thanks Dana.
Hey, Henry, you are a highly skilled and informed writer on many topics, and (of course) expert in biography.
I fully believe that your principle is crucial: to show the person. In a sense, to let the person reveal herself/himself, as you suggest in the letters.
I'm intrigued by the phrase, "biographical drama." Would you mind sharing more?
I imagine that your Mills play is an example, right?
Exactly right! Making a stage play out of the material rather than a biography in prose narrative. Often those plays contain made-up dialogue. I am interested in only using verbatim quotes to create the whole play, like "Noel and Gertie" by Sheridan Morley.
That sounds wonderful, Henry: using verbatim quotes to create the play, etc.
Wishing you the very best in all of your worthy projects, including the play!
Thank you!
What an extraordinary and beautiful letter. Thanks for presenting the whole thing.
When I was younger, I rarely quoted much from my subjects, unless it was a passage of verse. As you say, I prized the smooth continuity of my prose.
But gradually I realized that quotation gives both additional energy and humanity to an essay or review. The author’s personality shines forth directly better than any paraphrase I could offer.
Dana Gioia
Isn’t it striking? I was amazed when I found it that it hasn’t been in Reeves. I agree the added humanity makes a lot of difference to a review. Thanks Dana.
Hey, Henry, you are a highly skilled and informed writer on many topics, and (of course) expert in biography.
I fully believe that your principle is crucial: to show the person. In a sense, to let the person reveal herself/himself, as you suggest in the letters.
I'm intrigued by the phrase, "biographical drama." Would you mind sharing more?
I imagine that your Mills play is an example, right?
Blessings,
Daniel
Exactly right! Making a stage play out of the material rather than a biography in prose narrative. Often those plays contain made-up dialogue. I am interested in only using verbatim quotes to create the whole play, like "Noel and Gertie" by Sheridan Morley.
Thank you for your kind words!