Bang-on Journals

Mark Harris, born Mark Harris Finkelstein, was an American novelist, literary biographer, and educator who lived from 1922 to 2007. He is primarily remembered for his series of baseball novels featuring the character Henry Wiggen, most notably "Bang the Drum Slowly." Harris began his career in journalism before pursuing academia, eventually teaching English at institutions like San Francisco State College and Arizona State University after earning his doctorate. His literary output extended beyond baseball, encompassing other acclaimed novels, critical essays, biographies, and autobiographical works. Despite "Bang the Drum Slowly" being his most commercially successful novel, much of his writing received critical praise for its exploration of individual identity within societal structures.

Harris's personal life influenced his writing; he began keeping a diary at age 11 and later changed his surname due to antisemitism. His experiences in the Army during World War II, including his opposition to war and racial discrimination, formed the basis for some of his early novels. Throughout his career, Harris consistently explored themes of individuals striving to reconcile their identity and integrity with societal expectations, a sentiment echoed in his own reflections on his work. His literary legacy is recognized for elevating the baseball novel to an art form.

Mark Harris is widely recognized for his quartet of baseball novels, which chronicle the life of pitcher Henry Wiggen. These works, including "The Southpaw" and the highly acclaimed "Bang the Drum Slowly," are noted for their use of American vernacular and their exploration of the individual's place within a community or profession. Beyond baseball, Harris delved into broader themes of identity and societal integration. He stated that his books were fundamentally about "the one man against his society and trying to come to terms with his society, and trying to succeed within it without losing his own identity or integrity." This introspective focus suggests a philosophical undercurrent in his fiction, examining the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the face of external pressures.

Before establishing himself as a novelist, Mark Harris had a varied career that included journalism and academia. He worked for various news agencies and publications, gaining practical experience in reporting. Following his doctoral studies, Harris transitioned into teaching, dedicating a significant portion of his life to educating students in English and creative writing. He held positions at numerous universities, including San Francisco State College and Arizona State University, where he taught until his retirement. This dual engagement with both the practicalities of communication and the theoretical study of literature likely informed his nuanced approach to storytelling and his exploration of narrative voice.

While best known for his baseball novels, Mark Harris's literary output was diverse. He authored numerous critical essays and articles, demonstrating a keen analytical mind. His work also extended to editing, including the poetry of Vachel Lindsay and the journals of James Boswell, showcasing an engagement with different literary traditions. Furthermore, Harris penned several biographies and three autobiographical books. These varied projects reveal a deep interest in understanding lives, both his own and others, and in exploring different forms of narrative and reflection, from historical accounts to personal introspection.

“they are about the one man against his society and trying to come to terms with his society, and trying to succeed within it without losing his own identity or integrity.”

“You will no more expect the novelist to tell you precisely how something is said than you will expect him to stand by your chair and hold your book.”