Itemize Books Toward The Web and the Rock

Original Title:	The Web and the Rock
ISBN:	0807123897 (ISBN13: 9780807123898)

The Web and the Rock Paperback | Pages: 712 pages

Explanation As Books The Web and the Rock

Thomas Wolfe contended that The Web and the Rock, the precursor to You Cant Go Home Again, was "not only a turning away from the books I have written in the past, but a genuine spiritual and artistic change." To demonstrate his commitment to a new literary direction, he transformed his protagonist Eugene Gant into the more mature and aware George Webber.The Web and the Rock continues Wolfe's own story through George, a young writer whose works resemble Wolfe's own. The first half of this posthumously published novel describes George's evolution from small-town southern boy to struggling New York novelist and attempts to answer the brooding protagonist's question, "What is it that a young man wants?" The second half is devoted to his tempestuous affair with a sophisticated married woman. Ultimately, George, repulsed by the frivolous lifestyle of his wealthy mistress and her circle, retreats to Europe. But, once again, his idealism is shattered as Hitler rises to power in Germany. Disillusioned, George dreams of returning to the South of his childhood but realizes that "you can't go home again."

Particularize Out Of Books The Web and the Rock

Title	:	The Web and the Rock
Author	:	Thomas Wolfe
Book Format	:	Paperback
Book Edition	:	Anniversary Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 712 pages
Published	:	May 1st 1999 by Louisiana State University Press (first published January 1st 1938)
Categories	:	Fiction. Classics. Literature. Literary Fiction. American. Novels. Southern

Rating Out Of Books The Web and the Rock

Ratings: 4.01 From 555 Users | 38 Reviews

Column Out Of Books The Web and the Rock

The protagonist in The Web and the Rock, George Weber, writes a novel deemed unpublishable due to its extreme lengthlazy editors send him insulting rejection letters without bothering to read the manuscript, alcoholic writers give it backhanded praise after admitting to having only read a page or two, a line here and there (even Webers lover, who believes him a genius, counsels him to cut a few hundred pages). The critical establishment is portrayed as populated by unsuccessful authors who

For some reason, this third novel sees Wolfe changing the main character's name from Eugene Gant to George Webber, and there is a little bit of overlap with the first two, although this one concentrates on his great love affair with "Esther Jack" (who has the same name when she appears at the end of "Of Time And The River"). Anyway, it is, of course, another stunning work of epic autobiographical fiction. I suspect anything else I read after finishing Wolfe's novels will seriously pale in



A neglected classic. Although the narrative sags at times (especially the mid-to-late sections centered on protagonist George Webber's relationship with Esther), to complain of such is to miss the point of the book. Wolfe is focused on tracing in detail the full psychological and existential contours of one character's mind. As such, plot is secondary (yet there are brief moments of narrative pathos, such as the chapter "Child by Tiger," which would make a moving short story in its own right).

There are some great passages here. It's prose poetry.But it seems cobbled together. It was, after Wolfe died.

More than once, while reading this book, I have risen from my chair and crossed the room to a friend, acquaintance or family member. Needing to show someone a passage just read. The thought of the words trapped dark between the pages, unread, unseen -- cause me to take a quick breath, as i prepare to reveal to them a most glorious paragraph -- then a slow exhale, as I realize my impending oft repeated folly. Not ready -- not nearly ready are they to hear. So I return to my seat, and read more.

A slow difficult read about a young writer in New York City and his temptestuous affair with a married woman. The writing was beautiful in spots, but diffuse and unfocused for most of the book.Generally, Wolfe has a congested can't-get-it-on-the-page-fast-enough style, but his manic energy was missing in his last ans post-humorous novel. But at times he captured a moments with soaring fearless language.