A biography of the legendary early-twentieth-century New Orleans writer who directed the Federal Writers' Project WPA guide to Louisiana.
Here is the first full biography of the legendary writer known as Mr. Louisiana and Mr. New Orleans. Lyle Saxon's life was colorful, busy, and full of contrasts. He presented himself as the perfect Southern gentleman, but he grew up fatherless in modest circumstances. As host of a French Quarter salon, Saxon dispensed drinks, anecdotes, loans, and advice to many friends, including William Faulkner, Oliver La Farge, and Sherwood Anderson, yet he was often lonely and retreated to his solitary cabin at Melrose plantation. While Saxon was ambivalent toward his work with the WPA Writers' Project, begrudging the time it took from his own writing, the Louisiana division was, under his direction, the most productive in the United States. Though Saxon's history books bought him fame and a place in New York literary circles, he was deeply insecure about his talent and mourned his inability to write novels.
A Southern-literature scholar and a longtime fan of Lyle Saxon, Professor Harvey has researched the facts behind Saxon myths and presents the reality behind his legend. This volume also contains excerpts from Saxon's correspondence with family and friends, including letters from Grace King, William Spratling, and Sherwood Anderson.
Praise for The Life and Selected Letters of Lyle Saxon
"[Harvey's] use of Saxon's letters . . . provide a unique and objective way of analyzing this fascinating individual while allowing Saxon to speak for himself." —Louisiana Libraries
"Pays him the respect he deserves and uncovers the essential loneliness of the most convivial of men." — New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saxon's life makes an interesting story and Harvey's prose brings it fully to life." — Brookhaven Daily Leader