Frank J. Taylor

Benjamin Taylor is an American writer born in 1952, whose prolific career spans fiction, essays, and biographies. His works have been published in numerous prestigious literary journals and he has held teaching positions at several notable universities, including The New School and Columbia University. Taylor has also been actively involved with PEN American Center and various literary foundations, receiving recognition such as a Guggenheim Fellowship. His notable literary contributions include novels like "Tales Out of School" and "The Book of Getting Even," as well as biographies of Marcel Proust and Willa Cather. He has also edited collections of letters and non-fiction writings by Saul Bellow and the collected stories of Susan Sontag. His writing often explores themes of family, memory, and intellectual inquiry, earning him critical acclaim and awards.

Benjamin Taylor has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary American letters. His fiction, including "Tales Out of School" and "The Book of Getting Even," delves into the complexities of family dynamics, often set against specific historical or geographical backdrops. These novels have garnered praise for their originality and emotional depth, with "The Book of Getting Even" being recognized by prominent critics like Philip Roth and receiving awards such as the Barnes & Noble Discover Award. Beyond his fiction, Taylor has demonstrated a keen interest in intellectual history and biography. His book "Into the Open: Reflections on Genius and Modernity" examines figures like Walter Pater, Paul Valéry, and Sigmund Freud, exploring their perspectives on genius and modernity. This intellectual curiosity also informs his biographical work, notably his acclaimed biography of Marcel Proust, "Proust: The Search."

A significant aspect of Benjamin Taylor's literary output involves his meticulous editorial work on the writings of others, particularly Saul Bellow. His edited collections, "Saul Bellow: Letters" and "There Is Simply Too Much to Think About: Collected Non-Fiction of Saul Bellow," have been lauded for their insightful curation and annotation, providing readers with intimate portraits of Bellow's mind and contributions to 20th-century literature. Critics have highlighted Taylor's "exquisite judgment and care" in presenting these works, underscoring their importance to American literary scholarship. He also edited "Debriefing: Collected Stories of Susan Sontag," further cementing his role as a steward of significant literary legacies. Taylor's academic background, including a Ph.D. from Columbia University, informs his critical approach and his ability to engage deeply with the works he presents.

In addition to his biographical and fictional endeavors, Benjamin Taylor has also explored his own life and experiences through memoir. "Naples Declared: A Walk Around the Bay" offers a personal narrative intertwined with reflections on place and encounter, recognized as a notable travel book. More recently, "The Hue and Cry at Our House: A Year Remembered" recounts a year from his childhood in Fort Worth, Texas, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, earning him the Los Angeles Times – Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose. His memoir "Here We Are: My Friendship with Philip Roth" provides a personal account of his relationship with the renowned author. These memoirs reveal Taylor's capacity for introspective writing, blending personal history with broader cultural and historical contexts.