Patricia Highsmith

by Russell Harrison

In this, the first full-length critical study of Patricia Highsmith's literary achievements, Russell Harrison offers a thoughtful consideration of the most successful and representative of the writer's works. In clear, accessible language Harrison argues that Highsmith's fiction demonstrates elements of existentialism as linked to Sartre and Camus - and, earlier, to Dostoyevsky and Gide - and reflects sociopolitical concerns, from the Cold War of the 1940s and 1950s through the politicization of the 1960s and 1970s to the gay and lesbian issues of the 1980s and 1990s. Discussed as well are Highsmith's depictions of interpersonal relationships, including families and extended families, and her emphasis on objects as a central aspect of her characters' lives. Separate chapters provide instructive biographical background, drawing on heretofore unpublished material made available by friends of Highsmith, and take up by turns the works of the 1950s and beyond, the political dimensions of the novels, the gay and lesbian works, and the short stories. An excellent supplement for courses in American fiction, mystery novels, lesbian/gay fiction, and the short story, Patricia Highsmith is sure to be welcomed by high school and college students and by scholars and general readers.

Twayne's United States Authors Series presents concise critical introductions to great writers and their works.

Devoted to critical interpretation and discussion of an author's work, each study takes account of major literary trends and important scholarly contributions and provides new critical insights with an original point of view. An Authors Series volume addresses readers ranging from advanced high school students to university professors. The book suggests to the informed reader new ways of considering a writer's work. A reader new to the work under examination will, after reading the Authors Series, be compelled to turn to the originals, bringing to the reading a basic knowledge and fresh critical perspectives.

Each volume features:

A critical, interpretive study and explication of the author's works A brief biography of the author An accessible chronology outlining the life, work, and relevant historical background of the author Aids for further study -- complete notes and references, a selected annotated bibliography and an index A readable style presented in a manageable length

156 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1997

Reviews

[Christine Mathieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could have been much better, but the font is way too small.
When I order a hardcover version at the public library, I expect to read the book in a convenient font easy on the eyes (not like the smaller font in many old paperbacks).
This font was even smaller than paperback font and thus very hard to read. That's why I only rated it 4 stars.

Apart from that it is an exccellent essay on PH and points out many things that Andrew Wilson and Franz Clavigelli (from PH's Swiss publisher Diogenes) did not mention.
Now I'm looking forward to read the (rather chaotic) PH biography by Joan Shenkar (sp?).