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Michael Gorra’s The Saddest Words: William Faulkner’s Civil War was published in August. He is the editor of the Norton Critical Editions of As I Lay Dying and The Sound and the Fury and author of Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography. He teaches at Smith College.

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You Need to Read Faulkner Right Now but You Might Need a Map

TALKING YOKNAPATAWPHA

No white American author has ever written so well about the racial complexities of his country, but no author poses more challenges to unsuspecting readers. Here’s a guide.

Michael Gorra | Published Sep 13, 2020

The Civil War's Turning Point

The Third Year, 1863

This summer marks the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg and other major battles. Michael Gorra on two books that bring the Civil War to life.

Michael Gorra | Published May 13, 2013

Dickens’s Unhappy Children

'Great Expectations'

One of the world’s greatest writers on childhood was not a great father to his own 10 children, writes Michael Gorra.

Michael Gorra | Published Dec 02, 2012

The Great American Novel?

The Ambassador

Is Henry James's 'The Portrait of a Lady' too European, or is it the great American novel? Michael Gorra weighs in.

Michael Gorra | Published Aug 30, 2012

In Richard Ford’s Borderland

Richard Ford returns with one of his most powerful novels yet, “Canada.” Michael Gorra hails this tale of border violence and a young boy’s escape.

Michael Gorra | Published May 16, 2012

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