New York Jew

This is the 3d volume of Kazin's autobiographical trilogy. I feel Kazin was the leading literary critic of his generation. While his autobiographical writings don't offer much in the way of interpretive literary analysis, he does write close, penetrating portraits of almost everyone in the New York......more

A beautifully written book, filled with original insights into American and European postwar intellectual history and fascinating portraits of writers, academics, journalists, political leaders, and artists. I hope to find the other parts of this trilogy soon. Love the parts dealing with Arendt and......more

Overview of Kazin's life over a 30+ year period from the 1930s to the 1960s. At times fascinating in it's portraits of the well-known authors, critics and politicians. At other times frustrating when Kazin writes in almost a stream of consciousness which can be hard to follow and seems not to make a......more

I think Kazin is a really brilliant critic and an excellent writer. If I may, he is perhaps a less gifted memoirist: the writing is enjoyable and there’s much to be learned, but the narrative is quite impressionistic and can be hard to follow. I think the form truest to his art is probably an extend......more