What an extraordinary and beautiful letter. Thanks for presenting the whole thing.
When I was younger, I rarely quoted much from my subjects, unless it was a passage of verse. As you say, I prized the smooth continuity of my prose.
But gradually I realized that quotation gives both additional energy and humanity to an essay or review. The author’s personality shines forth directly better than any paraphrase I could offer.
Hey, Henry, you are a highly skilled and informed writer on many topics, and (of course) expert in biography.
I fully believe that your principle is crucial: to show the person. In a sense, to let the person reveal herself/himself, as you suggest in the letters.
I'm intrigued by the phrase, "biographical drama." Would you mind sharing more?
I imagine that your Mills play is an example, right?
That sounds wonderful, Henry: using verbatim quotes to create the play, etc.
Wishing you the very best in all of your worthy projects, including the play!
What an extraordinary and beautiful letter. Thanks for presenting the whole thing.
When I was younger, I rarely quoted much from my subjects, unless it was a passage of verse. As you say, I prized the smooth continuity of my prose.
But gradually I realized that quotation gives both additional energy and humanity to an essay or review. The author’s personality shines forth directly better than any paraphrase I could offer.
Dana Gioia
Hey, Henry, you are a highly skilled and informed writer on many topics, and (of course) expert in biography.
I fully believe that your principle is crucial: to show the person. In a sense, to let the person reveal herself/himself, as you suggest in the letters.
I'm intrigued by the phrase, "biographical drama." Would you mind sharing more?
I imagine that your Mills play is an example, right?
Blessings,
Daniel