Elizabeth Hardwick: The Fearless Literary Critic and Novelist
A Voice of Authority in Literary Criticism
Elizabeth Hardwick was a literary critic, novelist, and short story writer known for her scathing critiques of book reviews published in American periodicals. Her 1959 essay, "The Decline of Book Reviewing," published in Harper's, lambasted the state of book reviewing, establishing her as a fearless and influential voice in literary criticism.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 27, 1916, in Lexington, Kentucky, Hardwick was the eighth of eleven children to strict Protestant parents. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in 1938 and an MA in 1939. Hardwick then entered the PhD program at Columbia University but withdrew in 1941 to focus on writing.
A Prolific Career
Hardwick published four books of criticism:
A View of My Own (1962),
Seduction and Betrayal (1974),
Bartleby in Manhattan (1983), and
Sight-Readings (1998). In 1961, she edited
The Selected Letters of William James. The 1962 New York City newspaper strike inspired Hardwick,
Robert Lowell, Jason Epstein, Barbara Epstein, and Robert B. Silvers to found
The New York Review of Books, a publication that became a staple for many readers.
Influential Teaching and Mentorship
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Hardwick taught writing seminars at Barnard College and Columbia University's School of the Arts, Writing Division. She was known for her forthright critiques of student writing and mentored promising students.
Awards and Honors
Hardwick was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1947 and was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1996.
Literary Contributions and Impact
Hardwick's work had a significant impact on literary criticism and publishing. Her essays and reviews influenced the way writers and critics approached book reviewing, and her role in founding
The New York Review of Books helped shape the literary landscape of the time.
Personal Milestones and Key Life Events
- 1962: Published A View of My Own, her first book of criticism
- 1974: Published Seduction and Betrayal, her second book of criticism
- 1983: Published Bartleby in Manhattan, her third book of criticism
- 1998: Published Sight-Readings, her fourth and final book of criticism
- 2000: Published a short biography, Herman Melville, in Viking Press's Penguin Lives series
- 2008: The Library of America selected Hardwick's account of Caryl Chessman's crimes for inclusion in its two-century retrospective of American True Crime writing
Legacy
Elizabeth Hardwick's contributions to literary criticism and publishing have left a lasting impact on the literary world. Her fearless critiques and influential teaching have inspired generations of writers and critics.
FAQ
What is Elizabeth Hardwicks most famous novel?
Elizabeth Hardwicks most famous novel is Sleepless Nights, which was published in 1979 and explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
What was Elizabeth Hardwicks contribution to American literature?
Elizabeth Hardwicks contribution to American literature is that of a unique and innovative voice, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human condition through her novels, short stories, and essays.
What was Elizabeth Hardwicks experience like as a literary critic?
Elizabeth Hardwick was a highly respected literary critic, known for her incisive and thoughtful reviews of contemporary literature. She was a frequent contributor to publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books.
What is Elizabeth Hardwicks legacy in American literary criticism?
Elizabeth Hardwicks legacy in American literary criticism is that of a masterful critic, able to illuminate the complexities and nuances of literary works with her insightful and engaging writing.
What was Elizabeth Hardwicks relationship like with Robert Lowell?
Elizabeth Hardwick was married to the poet Robert Lowell, and the two writers had a complex and tumultuous relationship that was marked by periods of great creativity and passion, as well as intense conflict and drama.
