Chametzky, Jules (Bellow, Saul; Berryman, John; Brodkey, Harold; Brodsky, Joseph; Dahlberg, Edward; Ginsberg, Allen; Jong, Erica; Howe, Irving; Kazin, Alfred; Ozick, Cynthia; Paley, Grace; Podhoretz, Norman; Singer, Isaac Bashevis et al.)

Out of Brownsville: Encounters with Nobel Laureates and Other Jewish Writers

ISBN: 9781625340368
Amherst & Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Press, 2013. First Softcover Edition. Softcover. Inscribed & signed for Allen Tobias by Jules Chametzky. "In this collection of literary portraits, Jules Chametzky shares his recollections of more than forty notable Jewish writers...not only do these various writers emerge as interesting and often complicated human beings, but Chametzky reveals himself to be a warm and gracious storyteller." (from back cover) A compilation of essays by Jules Chametzky (1928-2021), the prolific & venerable Jewish-American academician, author, critic & co-founder of The Massachusetts Review. The many short writings in this "Cultural Memoir" (subtitle) are described by Chametzky in his Foreword as "...these small personal, perhaps idiosyncratic, comments, essays, obiter dicta...," & convey his critical & personal impressions of many of the most well-known Jewish writers, mostly American by birth or through immigration, including Saul Bellow, John Berryman, Harold Brodkey, Joseph Brodsky, Edward Dahlberg, Allen Ginsberg, Erica Jong, Irving Howe, Alfred Kazin, Cynthia Ozick, Grace Paley, Norman Podhoretz, Isaac Bashevis Singer & many more. Originally published in hardcover during 2012, this copy is from the first softcover edition issued by the University of Massachusetts (where Chametzky taught at Amherst) Press the following year. Trade-format softcover in perfect binding, first printing thus with no reference to further printings on copyright page. On the title page, Chametzky has hand-written "Amherst 5/17/16" at blank upper margin, then below title & his printed name: "Thank you for/ being here-/ with affection/ (signed) Jules." Although not mentioned by name, the person to whom Chametzky has written this warm inscription is Allen Tobias, from whose collection we obtained this. Tobias is himself a prolific critic, curator & essayist who was Allen Ginsberg's assistant beginning in the 1960s; & is our friend & esteemed colleague at the European Beat Studies Network (ebsn.eu). A most rewardingly insightful volume, quite collectible with Chamenzky's inscription as well as distinguished association & provenance. In very fine condition with only a touch of rubbing, faint scratching to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps & very small, faint creases at lower corners of a few page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #5243]

Price: $40.00