Andrew Nelson Lytle

Andrew Nelson Lytle, born in 1902, was an American novelist, dramatist, essayist, and literature professor. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and received his education at Sewanee Military Academy, Vanderbilt University, Oxford University, and Yale University School of Drama. While at Vanderbilt, he wrote plays that were recognized for their contribution to the Little Theatre Movement.

Lytle was a member of the Southern Agrarians, a group that published "I'll Take My Stand" in the 1930s, a work reflecting their philosophy. This collection has been interpreted as a defense of the Old South, sometimes criticized for overlooking slavery and expressing nostalgia for the past. Lytle authored over a dozen books, including novels, short stories, and essays. His 1957 novel, "The Velvet Horn," is widely considered his best work and was nominated for the National Book Award. His 1975 memoir, "A Wake for the Living," is noted for its blend of religious sentiment, historical perspective, and personal anecdotes.

He played a significant role in the literary world as the editor of the Sewanee Review from 1961 to 1973, during which time it became a prestigious literary magazine. Lytle also mentored numerous writers and was an early supporter of Flannery O'Connor's work. He contributed to the establishment of the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Florida and continued to write and teach even after his retirement. Lytle passed away in 1995.

Andrew Nelson Lytle was closely connected to the Southern Agrarian movement, a group that included prominent writers like Robert Penn Warren and Allen Tate. This association led to his contribution to the influential 1930s publication "I'll Take My Stand." This work articulated the movement's philosophical stance, which often involved a critique of industrialization and a defense of agrarian values. While lauded by some for its literary merit and defense of a particular vision of the South, the collection has also faced criticism for its romanticized portrayal of the Old South and its perceived neglect of the issue of slavery. Scholars have noted that the Agrarian philosophy, as expressed in "I'll Take My Stand," often represented a reactionary perspective that idealized the past and denounced the concept of progress, sometimes driven by nostalgia.

Beyond his own writing, Lytle made significant contributions to literary education. He was instrumental in founding the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Florida in 1948, where he served as a novelist in residence for a decade, guiding aspiring writers. Later, as a professor at the University of the South, he also edited the Sewanee Review from 1961 to 1973. During his tenure, the Review achieved considerable prestige. Lytle was known for his insightful criticism and his role as a mentor, actively encouraging and supporting the work of many writers, including notable figures like Flannery O'Connor, Elizabeth Bishop, and Robert Lowell. His influence extended to students such as Merrill Joan Gerber and Harry Crews.