Description
Book SynopsisTimothy G. Anderson describes American poet and writer John G. Neihardt’s (1881–1973) life from his humble beginnings in Illinois, to being named poet laureate of Nebraska in 1921, to his appearance on the
Dick Cavett Show at the age of ninety.
Trade Review"Anderson's biography of John G. Neihardt will be the definitive text for those who seek to know the real John Neihardt and his influence on American literature."—Becky Faber,
Nebraska History"The emphasis here is on John Neihardt as an artist, and Anderson succeeds in creating a thoughtful analysis of his vast, uniquely American output of poems, reviews, stories, and novels."—Greg Olson,
Missouri Historical Review"Anderson has made
Lonesome Dreamer a gift of a book that should help us all feel a little less lonesome in our own living and dreaming."—Pamela Gossin,
Western American Literature"
Lonesome Dreamer is a fascinating biography of the poet and writer offering new insights into his evolving attitudes that readers with either general or in-depth knowledge of Neihardt and literature about the West will appreciate."—David A. Smith,
South Dakota Historical Society Press“This is not so much an examination of one man’s life as it is an examination of life itself. For in this unflinchingly honest and compelling portrait of John Neihardt, we see recurring bouts of love, loss, delight, depression, triumph, and tragedy—and above all a relentless, searing search for truth in a life that spanned ten decades. So read it. Think about it. Discuss it. And learn from it. Tim Anderson has given us an immensely rich gift, a clean window into what it means to be human.”—Joe Starita, author of
“I Am a Man”: Chief Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice “In the best tradition of western storytelling, this biography of John G. Neihardt is an inspiring exploration into the life and mind of a great American writer. This book accurately reflects the strong sense of spirituality that inhabits nearly every sentence Neihardt wrote.”—Ron Hull, friend of John Neihardt and producer of many Neihardt television programs for Nebraska Educational Telecommunications
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Introduction
Prologue: January 8, 1881
1. A Heart-Breaking Farewell
2. A Voice Echoing in the Distance
3. A Big-City Adventure
4. A Sense of Alienation
5. A Powerful Endorsement
6. A Partner in Art and Marriage
7. A Fatal Row
8. An Untouched Epic
9. A Move and a Tribute
10. A Story That Needs No Embellishment
11. An Offer Declined and Another Move
12. A Pilgrimage to Pine Ridge
13. A Wise and Good Book
14. A Time of Crisis
15. The Loss of a Comrade
16. A Book and an Author Reborn
Epilogue: No Regrets
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
