Bland, Humphrey.

William Humphrey (1924-1997) was an American novelist, memoirist, and short story writer whose work often focused on the American South and themes of loss and myth. Born in Texas to humble origins, he moved to New York City in 1945, attempting a career in theater before turning to fiction. He taught at Bard College until the success of his first novel, 'Home from the Hill,' allowed him to write full-time. Humphrey published thirteen books during his career, including novels like 'The Ordways' and 'Hostages to Fortune,' and short story collections. His writing was critically acclaimed, though he maintained a private life and eschewed self-promotion. His memoir, 'Farther Off from Heaven,' detailed the impact of his father's death in his youth. While his works were largely out of print for a period, they have seen recent republication in digital and print formats.

William Humphrey was born in Clarksville, Texas, to parents of modest means and education. His childhood was marked by frequent moves due to financial instability and the profound loss of his father in a car accident when Humphrey was thirteen. This pivotal event deeply affected him and later formed the basis of his memoir, 'Farther Off from Heaven.' After his father's death, he and his mother relocated to Dallas. Humphrey attended Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas but did not complete a degree. He left Texas early in his career, seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Humphrey's literary output includes five novels, several short story collections, and a memoir, totaling thirteen books. His debut novel, 'Home from the Hill,' published in 1958, achieved significant success and was adapted into a film. His work often delved into the complexities of the Southern past, with Humphrey asserting his aim to dismantle myths surrounding the region. Critically, his novels such as 'The Ordways' and 'Hostages to Fortune' garnered praise for their vivid narratives and emotional depth. 'Hostages to Fortune,' his first novel set outside the South, explored themes of grief and attempted suicide following a son's death. His final book, 'September Song,' was a collection of stories about aging.

Despite being recognized as part of the New York literary scene in the 1950s and featured in Vogue magazine, Humphrey largely disregarded such accolades. He preferred to focus on his writing rather than actively seek fame or capitalize on public recognition. Unlike some contemporaries, he made minimal efforts to promote himself, believing his literary contributions should speak for themselves. Critics noted his dedication to his craft, describing him as 'minor, but interesting and admirable,' and a writer of rare fidelity in a culture that often favors superficial success. His letters, published as 'Far From Home,' offer insights into his work and relationships with other writers.

“I am a destroyer of myths. My whole work has shown the danger and falseness of myths..[especially] the myth of the South”

“To pick up Humphrey's extraordinary new novel is to hold an embodiment of grief in your hands. The unrelenting anguish that suffuses this story [is] almost unbearable to behold. It is possible to get through it because the stark poetry of Humphrey's work is enthralling.”

“Minor, but interesting and admirable. It has been a long time since Humphrey has enjoyed a commercial success, but he has dedicated his life to his writing with a fidelity all too rare in a culture that encourages facile success and empty honor.”