In a compilation of essays exploring the nature and value of writing, the noted literary critic, essayist, and novelist presents an annotated list of the fifty books that have most influenced
his life and work, as well as his thoughts on such disparate authors as Rainer Maria Rilke, Gertrude Stein, Stanley Elkin, Gabriel Garc燰 M嫫quez, William Gaddis, and others. 10,000 first
printing.