Best Selling Books by Thomas Wolfe

These fifty-eight stories make up the most thorough collection of Thomas Wolfe''s short fiction to date, spanning the breadth of the author''s career, from the uninhibited young writer who penned "The Train and the City" to his mature, sobering account of a terrible lynching in "The Child by Tiger". Thirty-five of these stories have never before been collected. Lightning Print On Demand Title

You Can''t Go Home Again is a novel by Thomas Wolfe published posthumously in 1940. The novel tells the story of George Webber, a fledgling author, who writes a book that makes frequent references to his home town of Libya Hill. The book is a national success but the residents of the town, unhappy with what they view as Webber''s distorted depiction of them, send the author menacing letters and death threats. (Wikipedia)

Grover Gant, a young boy who died of typhoid fever at the turn of the century, is portrayed through the eyes of family members

In "Of Time and the River," Thomas Wolfe crafts a sprawling narrative that explores the complexities of identity, time, and the human experience. This semi-autobiographical novel, a sequel to his earlier work "Look Homeward, Angel," is characterized by Wolfe''s signature lyrical prose and an impressionistic style that captures the rhythms of thought and memory. The narrative meanders through the protagonist''s journey from his youth in North Carolina to his struggles in the artistic maelstrom of New York City, as Wolfe juxtaposes the tranquility of nature with the turbulence of modern life, ultimately delving into themes of loss, belonging, and the inexorable passage of time. Thomas Wolfe, born in 1900 in Asheville, North Carolina, was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American literature. Wolfe''s own tumultuous experiences in finding his place within the literary world, as well as his deep connection to his Southern roots, are vividly reflected in the intricate tapestry of his characters and settings. His distinctive voice and rich, evocative language have left a lasting impact on American letters, and "Of Time and the River" exemplifies his artistic evolution. For readers seeking a profound exploration of life''s transient nature and the quest for meaning, Wolfe''s "Of Time and the River" is an unmissable journey. Its powerful prose and emotional depth invite reflection, making it an essential read for those interested in the interplay of personal and universal narratives in literature.

The spectacular, history-making first novel about a young man’s coming of age by literary legend Thomas Wolfe, first published in 1929 and long considered a classic of twentieth century literature. A legendary author on par with William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor, Thomas Wolfe published Look Homeward, Angel, his first novel, about a young man’s burning desire to leave his small town and tumultuous family in search of a better life, in 1929. It gave the world proof of his genius and launched a powerful legacy. The novel follows the trajectory of Eugene Gant, a brilliant and restless young man whose wanderlust and passion shape his adolescent years in rural North Carolina. Wolfe said that Look Homeward, Angel is “a book made out of my life,” and his largely autobiographical story about the quest for a greater intellectual life has resonated with and influenced generations of readers, including some of today’s most important novelists. Rich with lyrical prose and vivid characterizations, this twentieth-century American classic will capture the hearts and imaginations of every reader.

In "The Web and the Rock," Thomas Wolfe crafts a sprawling narrative that delves into the intricacies of human experience, identity, and the struggle for meaning within the confines of society and family. The novel is marked by Wolfe''s signature lyrical prose, rich in metaphor and philosophical introspection. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, it explores the protagonist''s journey through the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of artistic ambition, serving as a companion to his earlier work, "Look Homeward, Angel." With its exploration of the interconnections between personal and collective narratives, the book reveals Wolfe''s engagement with existential themes and the human condition. Thomas Wolfe, born in 1900 in Asheville, North Carolina, was profoundly influenced by his Southern upbringing and the intricacies of American life. Wolfe''s deep concern with artistic expression and his own struggles with identity and belonging shaped his narrative approach. His semi-autobiographical style allows readers to witness the tension between the individual spirit and societal constraints, forged through his experiences in both rural and urban America, which provided a rich tapestry for his complex characters and vivid settings. This novel is a masterclass in American literature, appealing to readers who appreciate lyrical prose intertwined with deep philosophical inquiry. Wolfe invites readers to contemplate their own places within the web of society while navigating the rocks that define existential challenges. "The Web and the Rock" is not just a story; it''s an exploration of consciousness and a testament to Wolfe''s enduring legacy as a passionate chronicler of the human heart.

Beyond Love and Loyalty: The Letters of Thomas Wolfe and Elizabeth Nowell, Together with ''no More Rivers, '' a Story By Thomas Wolf

The Hills Beyond, the third and last book culled from the mountain of manuscript left behind by Thomas Wolfe, "contains some of his best, and certainly his most mature, work" (New York Times Book Review). The unfinished novel from which this collection of sketches, stories, and novellas takes its tide was Wolfe''s final effort. It tells the story of the Joyner family, George Webber''s maternal ancestors, in pre-Civil War North Carolina and illustrates Wolfe''s fine sense of family traits rooted in a traceable past. "Chickamauga" is the superb Civil War tale that Wolfe received from his great-uncle; "The Lost Boy" renders a second, more tender, treatment of the death of young Grover Gant; and "The Return of the Prodigal" describes Eugene Gant''s imagined and then actual revisit to Altamont when he is a famous author. Together the eleven pieces of The Hills Beyond confirm the passion, energy, and sensitivity that made Wolfe the most promising American writer of his generation. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Edited by Matthew J. Bruccoli and Aldo P. Magi, The Magical Campus collects for the first time Thomas Wolfe''s earliest published work--including poems, plays, short fiction, news articles, and essays--both signed and unsigned, assembled in chronological order.

"The Mountains, a product of Wolfe''s dramatic apprenticeship, constitutes the novelist''s earliest achieved writing on a large scale. Begun while he was still in Chapel Hill, the one-act version was completed and performed in Cambridge in 1921, the reshaped into full-length form late [by early spring 1922]. Though neither play was successful, both served as valuable exercises toward the author''s eventual ripening as a writer of fiction, and the longer on represents a major evolutionary step for the man who would one day write Look homeward, angel."--Dust jacket

Selections from the novels of Thomas Wolfe chosen for their poetic character.

In "Thomas Wolfe: Of Time and the River, You Can''t Go Home Again & Look Homeward, Angel," readers are immersed in Wolfe''s rich tapestry of semi-autobiographical narratives that explore profound themes of nostalgia, identity, and the American experience. The literary style is characterized by its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and introspective depth, drawing readers into the lives of his characters as they grapple with the passage of time and the relentless pull of their origins. Wolfe''s work exemplifies the modernist movement, challenging conventional narrative structures while inviting readers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes. Thomas Wolfe, a Southern writer born in Asheville, North Carolina, draws heavily from his own tumultuous youth and the complexities of familial bonds, which profoundly influenced his narrative choices. His keen observations of the world around him, coupled with his desire to explore the human condition, laid the groundwork for the ambitious thematic aspirations seen in these novels. Wolfe''s background and experiences infuse his writing with authenticity, allowing readers to connect deeply with the existential queries he poses. This collection is a compelling journey for readers who appreciate lyrical storytelling intertwined with philosophical musings. It is particularly recommended for those who seek to understand the transformative power of place and memory in shaping human experiences. Wolfe''s masterful narratives resonate deeply, making this book an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in American literature.

In "The Greatest Works of Thomas Wolfe," readers are treated to an expansive collection of the author''Äôs most significant literary contributions, encapsulating the essence of Wolfe''s evocative prose and rich narrative style. With a distinct blend of stream-of-consciousness and vivid imagery, Wolfe''s work delves deeply into the human experience, exploring themes of ambition, belonging, and the tension between individuality and society. Spanning a variety of settings and characters, this anthology highlights Wolfe''s profound reflections on American life in the early 20th century, making it a critical study for anyone interested in modernist literature and the Southern Renaissance. Thomas Wolfe, born in Asheville, North Carolina, was a literary luminary whose experiences in the American South and New York City shaped his understanding of cultural identity and personal struggle. His tumultuous early life and passionate literary pursuits led him to develop a unique voice that captures the depth of human emotions and the search for meaning. Wolfe''Äôs encounters with contemporaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway further enriched his literary landscape, pushing the boundaries of narrative form. This anthology is highly recommended for readers seeking an immersive experience into the heart of American literature. Wolfe''s lyrical prose and profound insights not only serve as an artistic reflection of his time but also resonate with contemporary themes that remain relevant today. Whether you are a longtime admirer or new to his works, this collection offers a compelling journey through Wolfe''s literary genius.

Sixty-six thousand words were omitted for reasons of propriety and publishing economics, as well as to remove material deemed expendable by Perkins. Published for the first time on October 3, 2000 - the centenary of Wolfe''s birth - O Lost presents the complete text of the novel''s manuscript.".

In the summer of 1937, Thomas Wolfe was in the North Carolina mountains revising a piece about a party and subsequent fire at the Park Avenue penthouse apartment of the fictional Esther and Frederick Jack. He wrote to his agent, Elizabeth Nowell, ''I think it is now a single thing, as much a single thing as anything I''ve ever written.'' Abridged and edited versions of the story were published twice, as a novella in Scribner''s Monthly (May 1939) and as part of You Can''t Go Home Again (1940). Now Suzanne Stutman and John Idol have worked from manuscript sources at Harvard University to reconstruct The Party at Jack''s as outlined by Wolfe before his death. Here, in its untruncated state, Wolfe''s novella affords a significant glimpse of a Depression-era New York inhabited by Wall Street wheelers and dealers and the theatrical and artistic elite. Wolfe describes the Jacks and their social circle with lavish attention to mannerisms and to clothing, furnishings, and other trappings of wealth and privilege. The sharply drawn contrast between the decadence of the party-goers and the struggles of the working classes in the streets below reveals Wolfe''s gifts as both a writer and a sharp social critic.

A man journeys from a small town to the big city in this prequel to the classic You Can''t Go Home Again. Shortly before his death in 1938 at a tragically young age, author Thomas Wolfe presented his editor with an epic masterwork that was subsequently published as three separate novels: You Can''t Go Home Again, The Hills Beyond, and The Web and the Rock. The Web and the Root features the three initial sections of the The Web and the Rock, widely considered to be the book''s strongest material. A prequel to You Can''t Go Home Again, with strong autobiographical undertones, it is the story of George Webber''s momentous journey from Libya Falls, North Carolina, to the Golden City of the North—offering vivid, sometimes cutting depictions of rural pleasures and small-town clannishness while exploring boundless urban possibility and the complex, violent undercurrents of the metropolis. "Among his and my contemporaries, I ranked Wolfe first." — William Faulkner "The only contemporary writer who can be mentioned in the same breath as Dickens and Dostoevsky." — The New Republic

In 1920 Thomas Wolfe left the South with the strong desire to become a dramatist. To pursue his chosen craft, he enrolled in the Harvard 47 Workshop, at that time the most renowned in the nation. At first he wrote plays about Appalachian society and the Civil War. But it was not until Wolfe turned to the modern South—inspired by a disturbing return to his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina—that his genius awoke. There he found the material he would work into the best of his three full-length plays written at Harvard, the material that in the next decade would be recast into the novels that would make him famous. This is the first book publication of Welcome to Our City, Thomas Wolfe’s play in ten scenes of a modern South ruled by liars and real estate agents, overrun with boosterism, and dedicated to greed. This sprawling, fiery work has lain dormant among Wolfe’s papers for over fifty years, abandoned by its author after an unsuccessful attempt to revise and shorten it for a New York Theatre Guild production. For this edition, Richard S. Kennedy has reassembled a full performance text of the workshop version presented at Harvard in 1923—a production that involved forty-five cast members, including over thirty speaking parts, required seven stage changes, and lasted over three and a half hours in performance. The action of Welcome to Our City centers on a scheme of the town fathers and real estate promoters of Altamont, a small southern city, to snatch up all the property in a centrally located black district, evict the tenants, tear down their houses and shops, and build a new white residential section in its place. When the blacks, under the angry leadership of a strong-willed doctor, resist eviction, a race riot breaks out—shattering both the precarious social balance of the city and the “progressive” dreams of Altamont’s boosters. Building on this plot, Wolfe guides his audience through the back rooms, stately homes, ans shanty towns of Altamont, contrasting tradition-bound southern characters with a new breed of life drawn from the vast menagerie of 1920s Main Street America: fact-spouting yes-men, hypocritical religious leaders, anti-intellectual professors, provincial country club matrons, and politicians inauthentic from their heads to their feet. Welcome to Our City is not merely an exhibit in the artistic development of a future novelist. Wolfe used the dramatic form inventively and with considerable inspiration to expose the culture of greed that he saw spreading around him and to caricature the men who, he feared, would usher in an age of mediocrity across America. Emotionally gripping and mockingly satiric, Welcome to Our City captures the festering social climate of the 1920s in a vision of life that is uncomfortably relevant to our own times.

The relationship between Thomas Wolfe and his editor, Maxwell Perkins has been the subject of guesswork and anecdote for 70 years. Scholars have debated Wolfe''s dependence on his editor. This volume of 251 letters should clarify the relationship and set the record straight.

"Poetic passages from Wolfe''s prose, printed as free verse".

A legendary author on par with William Faulkner and Flannery O''Connor, Thomas Wolfe published Look Homeward, Angel, his first novel, about a young man''s burning desire to leave his small town and tumultuous family in search of a better life, in 1929. It gave the world proof of his genius and launched a powerful legacy.The novel follows the trajectory of Eugene Gant, a brilliant and restless young man whose wanderlust and passion shape his adolescent years in rural North Carolina. Wolfe said that Look Homeward, Angel is "a book made out of my life," and his largely autobiographical story about the quest for a greater intellectual life has resonated with and influenced generations of readers, including some of today''s most important novelists. Rich with lyrical prose and vivid characterizations, this twentieth-century American classic will capture the hearts and imaginations of every reader.

Thomas Wolfe''s seminal works, "Look Homeward, Angel" and "Of Time and the River," offer a profound exploration of the human experience framed within the complexities of familial bonds and the quest for identity. Utilizing a stream-of-consciousness narrative style, Wolfe crafts an evocative tapestry of his semi-autobiographical characters, particularly the introspective Eugene Gant, whose journey reflects the universal struggle between aspiration and the pull of home. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century America, these novels delve into themes of nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time, all conveyed through Wolfe''s lush, lyrical prose that often teeters on the edge of the poetic. Thomas Wolfe, an American novelist born in 1900 in Asheville, North Carolina, was greatly influenced by his own tumultuous upbringing in a family of stone masons and his experiences of both small-town life and the vastness of the American landscape. His formative years, marked by the dichotomy of ambition and the warmth of home, propelled him to articulate the intricacies of his personal narrative. Wolfe''s encounters with literary giants, such as Sherwood Anderson and F. Scott Fitzgerald, further shaped his distinctive voice and experimental approach to storytelling. Readers are encouraged to engage with Wolfe''s works as they grapple with not only the nuances of Gant''s experience but also the larger questions of belonging and self-discovery. This profound duality encapsulates a poignant reflection on life itself, making both novels essential reading for those interested in the emotional depths of American literature.

An anthology of Thomas Wolfe''s short stories, novel excerpts, and plays illuminating the Civil War This collection of Thomas Wolfe''s writings demonstrates the centrality of the Civil War to Wolfe''s literary concerns and identity. From Look Homeward, Angel to The Hill Beyond and The Web and the Rock, Wolfe perpetually returned to the themes of loss, dissolution, sorrow, and romance engendered in the minds of many southerners by the Civil War and its lingering aftermath. His characters reflect time and again on Civil War heroes and dwell on ghostlike memories handed down by their mothers, fathers, and grandfathers. Wolfe and his protagonists compare their contemporary southern landscape to visions they have conjured of its appearance before and during the war, thereby merging the past with the present in an intense way. Ultimately, Wolfe''s prose style--incantatory and rhapsodic--is designed to evoke the national tragedy on an emotional level. Selections of Wolfe''s writings in this collection include short stories ("Chickamauga," "Four Lost Men," "The Plumed Knight"), excerpts from his novels (O Lost, the restored version of Look Homeward, Angel, The Hills Beyond, and Of Time and the River) and a play, Mannerhouse, edited and introduced by David Madden. Madden, who makes the provocative claim that everything a southern writer writes derives from the Civil War experience, also highlights many issues essential to understanding Wolfe''s absorption with the Civil War.

No door.--Death the proud brother.--The face of the war.--Only the dead know Brooklyn.--Dark in the forest, strange as time.--The four lost men.--Gulliver.--The bums at sunset.--One of the girls in our party.--The far and the near.--In the park.--The men of Old Catawba.--Circus at dawn.--The web of earth.