Sherwood Anderson: A Writer in America

Sherwood Anderson: A Writer in America is the definitive biography of this major American writer of novels and short stories, whose work includes the modern classic Winesburg, Ohio. In the first volume of this monumental two-volume work, Walter Rideout chronicles the life of Anderson from his birth and his early business career through his beginnings as a writer and finally to his move in the mid-1920s to "Ripshin," his house near Marion, Virginia. The second volume will cover Anderson's return to business pursuits, his extensive travels in the South touring factories, which resulted in his political involvement in labor struggles and several books on the topic, and finally his unexpected death in 1941.

This biography is the most thoroughly researched and extensively based on primary sources and interviews with a range of Anderson's friends and family members, providing a complete vision of the man and the writer. The result is an unparalleled biography that locates the private man while astutely placing his life and writings in a broader social and political context.

Rideout's work has been recognized as an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice Magazine and has received the Biography Award from the Society of Midland Authors. This comprehensive and well-researched biography offers a deeper understanding of Sherwood Anderson, a significant figure in American literature.

The first volume chronicles Anderson's early life, from his birth to his move to "Ripshin" in the mid-1920s. It explores his business career, his emergence as a writer, and the development of his unique literary voice. The second volume delves into the later stages of Anderson's life, including his return to business pursuits, his extensive travels in the South, and his political involvement in labor struggles. The work also examines the final years of Anderson's life and his unexpected death in 1941.

This biography surpasses previous works on Anderson, providing a level of detail and insight that has not been seen before. Rideout's meticulous research and his ability to weave together the personal and the public aspects of Anderson's life result in a comprehensive and illuminating portrait of this influential American writer.

The biography's recognition by prestigious academic and literary organizations further underscores its importance and significance. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and readers interested in understanding the life and works of Sherwood Anderson, a pivotal figure in the history of American literature.

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