Norman Mailer saw the responsibility of the novelist is a double-edged sword: he must posit an authoritative vision of structure in form and content, yet always be aware that “no authorities exist that have certain knowledge.” This places the novelist in an ethical and existential position of great responsibility.
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The Novel and the Order
Arguably, the dominant form of literature in the twentieth century was prose fiction, of which the novel was a titan, if not a god. Indeed, there is something god-like about the novel and its relation to western civilization’s sense of identity and order.
Jesus & Norman Mailer
I’m in the process of composing my paper for the Norman Mailer Society’s annual conference. Here’s the proposal: I moved to the American South almost six years ago. About that time, I was introduced to Norman Mailer’s work. Both gave me an interesting perspective on America, its values and its problems (sometimes stemming from said [...]
R.I.P. Norman Mailer
He played the writer’s part, Play’d the part that still looks back on the actor or actress, The same old role, the role that is what we make it, as great as we like, Or as small as we like, or both great and small. [Sent by PS. We'll miss you, Norman.]
Mailer Hospitalized Again
Some recent news about Norman Mailer’s continuing health problems. Get well soon.
Satan and Tech
The L.A. Times posted a review of Norman Mailer’s new book with Mike Lennon, On God: An Uncommon Conversation: Mailer’s new book, “On God: An Uncommon Conversation,” may best be read in such a context — although, in truth, it’s probably best not read at all. Framed as a series of Socratic dialogues between Mailer [...]
Mailer in SP Times
Norman Mailer and The Mailer Review are featured in today’s St. Pete Times: At 84, prolific author Norman Mailer shows no quit. The Mailer Review, a new literary journal edited by a USF professor, takes a closer look at the man and his work. They were supposed to use my photo, but didn’t. The AP [...]