Just finished reading Light in August. I finally completed reading Faulkner's major works, and I think he's the great American writer simply because I can't think of an American with five masterpieces to their name. Faulkner has The Sound and the Fury, Absalom, Absalom!, Light in August, As I Lay Dying, and The Unvanquished. One can even mention The Mansion.
I thought I read the best Southern Gothic novel when I read O'Connor's Violent Bear it Away, but this also takes the cake. This is probably Faulkner's best work with regard to characterization, with such vivid outcasts featured throughout the novel. Joe Christmas is also an inscrutable, well-made, damned character.
>I can't think of an American with five masterpieces to their name >who is Gaddis
Seriously though, there has to be a re-discovery or appreciation of Faulkner. Too long, he's been the go-to southern Gothic writer. People need to find his work on their own rather than have to slog through AILD (excellent as it is) for senior English.
Lucas Garcia
Here in the Philippines, most English teachers hate Faulkner because he's hard to read. I was called by my lit professor ages ago weird because I actually persevered in reading him.
They usually pick Steinbeck or Hemingway for American literature. Sometimes Morrison is also recommended. No one's heard of Gaddis or Gass, and I've had to do my own stumbling on Hawkes.
I will read Gaddis one of these days, though. Thanks for reminding me.
Josiah Parker
At most Gaddis has 2 masterpieces I agree with the OP though, Faulkner is a rare writer who maintains a supremely high level throughout a great many novels. I have yet to read Absalom Absalom but im expecting great things. I will say however that i believe the Great American novel was Moby Dick but Faulkner may be the Great Novelist.
Matthew Kelly
Carpenter's Gothis is not stellar and Agapē Agape is basically him putting the message of his first two books in a long stylized essay
Brayden Evans
yeah gaddis has J R and the recognitions. I thought the sound and the fury was shit though.
Henry Wilson
What's the right order to read Gaddis? Is there anything by other authors I need to read before him?
Colton Jackson
why would you need to read something from another author to read him? why would there be an order to reading his books? he's not john fucking barth. Google his books. start with the one your interested in. jesus christ this question is retarded. reeeee
Landon Hill
Just start with The Recognitions. Use the online guide for a close reading of the first 100 pages, then use it as much as you like for the rest. It's a very enjoyable read, and by the end you'll be rushing to pick up JR which is slightly more difficult and funnier throughout.
