Description
Book SynopsisFor two spring days in 2001, John Updike visited Cincinnati, Ohio, engaging and charming his audiences, reading from his fiction, fielding questions, sitting for an interview, participating in a panel discussion, and touring the Queen City.Successful
Trade Review“One of the best and oddest academic books to appear in quite some time.… (A) blissful snort of unfiltered catnip.” * The New York Times *
“Acres of print have been consecrated to Updike and his achievements, from academic treatises to Nicholson Baker’s sublimely idiosyncratic tribute U & I, but perhaps the book that captures Updike’s writerly public persona best is a curious little gem called
Updike in Cincinnati: A Literary Performance, an account (edited by James Schiff) of Updike’s readings and musings at a short story festival in 2001. Graced with Updike’s customary humor, perception, painterly eye, gloved modesty, and acute social radar,
Updike in Cincinnati is most revealing when the author is acknowledging the limitations that lie treacherously under the surface.” * Vanity Fair *
“An invaluable time capsule.... William H. Pritchard and Donald J. Greiner join Schiff as three of the very best Updike critics....” * American Literary Scholarship *
“Updike impromptu is remarkable. Here, in print, is that clever man dancing around an audience question couched in a baseball analogy … which concerns Updike never having received the Nobel Prize. Updike responds with an extemporaneous, philosophical and very knowing take on baseball history, including the Black Sox scandal.…” * Cincinnati CityBeat *
“Anyone interested in Updike’s role and stature in such public literary gatherings will surely not want to miss reading James Schiff’s excellent portrayal and record.… Schiff has done us all a great favor with this risky publishing venture.” * The Centaurian *
”Updike in Cincinnati … has to be one of the most oddly appealing and cult-like books about author John Updike ever published.… It's a bit obsessive but also utterly engrossing, due in large part to Updike's wit, charm and intelligence. The man can answer even the most potentially embarrassing question with grace and humor. After reading this, I feel like I was actually there.” * Cincinnati Enquirer *
“I had a great time in Cincinnati; but why is there no shrine to Doris Day?”
