Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 1   By: Slason Thompson (1849-1935)

In "Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 1," Slason Thompson delves into the complex life of the beloved American poet and journalist, Eugene Field. Through meticulous research and analysis, Thompson uncovers the various contradictions that defined Field's character, from his whimsical and sentimental poetry to his dark and troubled personal life.

Thompson skillfully navigates through Field's family history, tracing the influences of his ancestors on his own temperament and creative output. He explores the complexities of Field's relationships with his parents, siblings, and wives, shedding light on the underlying tensions and conflicts that shaped his identity.

What makes Thompson's biography so compelling is his ability to humanize Field, presenting him not as a romanticized literary figure, but as a flawed and multifaceted individual. By drawing on a wealth of archival material and personal correspondence, Thompson brings Field to life in all his complexity, making this volume essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the man behind the poetry.

Overall, "Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 1" is a rich and insightful portrait of a literary icon, offering a fresh perspective on his life and work. Thompson's thorough research and engaging prose make this biography a valuable addition to the field of literary studies, and a must-read for fans of Eugene Field and American literature in general.

First Page:

Not as other memoirs are written would Eugene Field, were he alive, have this study of his life. He would think more of making it reflect the odd personality of the man than rehearse the birth, development, daily life, and works of the author. If he had undertaken to write his own life, as was once his intention, it would probably have been the most remarkable work of fiction by an American author that ever masqueraded in the quaker garments of fact. From title page to colophon on which he would have insisted the book would have been one studied effort to quiz and queer (a favorite word of his) the innocent and willing to be deluded reader. "Tell your sister for me," I recall his saying, "what a kind, good, and deserving man I am. How I love little children and [with a dry chuckle] elderly spinsters. Relate how I was born of rich yet honest parents, was reared in the 'nurture and admonition of the Lord,' and, according to the bent of a froward youth, have stumbled along to become the cynosure of a ribald age... Continue reading book >>