Marching men: a critical text

by Sherwood Anderson, Ray Lewis White (Editor)

"Nothing quite like it has ever been done in America. . . . It is so vivid, so full of insight, so shiningly life-like and glowing, that the book is lifted into a category all its own," wrote H.L. Mencken, speaking of Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio. Anderson, he said, is "America's Most Distinctive Novelist."

Marching Men, Anderson's 1917 second novel, is a tale that focuses on the plight of the working man in an industrial society. Like all of Anderson's tales, it's an important social commentary, and not to be overlooked.

Genres: Classics, American, Novels, 20th Century, Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Often autobiographical, works of American writer Sherwood Anderson include Winesburg, Ohio (1919).

He supported his family and consequently never finished high school. He successfully managed a paint factory in Elyria before 1912 and fathered three children with the first of his four wives. In 1912, Anderson deserted his family and job.

In early 1913, he moved to Chicago, where he devoted more time to his imagination. He broke with considered materialism and convention to commit to art as a consequently heroic model for youth.

Mainly know for his short stories, most notably the collection Winesburg, Ohio. One can hear its profound influence on fiction in Ernest Miller Hemingway, William Faulkner, Thomas Clayton Wolfe, John Ernst Steinbeck, and Erskine Preston Caldwell.

Most important book collects 22 stories. The stories explore the inhabitants of a fictional version of Clyde, the small farm town, where Anderson lived for twelve early years. These tales made a significant break with the traditional short story. Instead of emphasizing plot and action, Anderson used a simple, precise, unsentimental style to reveal the frustration, loneliness, and longing in the lives of his characters. The narrowness of Midwestern small-town life and their own limitations stunt these characters.

Despite no wholly successful novel, Anderson composed several classic short stories. He influenced Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald and the coming generation.

Reviews

[AC · Rating 1 out of 5]

While in general I'm a big fan of Sherwood Anderson, this book fails miserably. The idea is unbelievable and Anderson seems to keep typing hoping he can find a way to make himself believe it. This is clearly a point in which Anderson's skill in making us see the effects of the industrial revolution on individuals and societies does not hold up at all. It's hard to really connect with or care about the characters or their situations. The marching men explanation and execution really doesn't accomplish anything.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it from beginning to end.

[elderfoil...the whatever champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Anderson's earliest novels that touches on many of his well-known themes, this edition includes some of his essays as well as his first published short story---"The Rabbit-pen" is a little jewel and shows once again that Anderson is among America's finest. As for the novel itself, it's easy enough to critique for its ragged, jumping, discombobulation on certain fronts, but still it includes wonderful stretches, great characterizations, and ample Sherwoodian soul.

[Dustincecil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction suggested that at least portions (if not all) of this book may have been written before Anderson's first published novel. I could see where that could be the case. Much of this book felt like unresolved sketches. The brightest points weren't enough to make me want more.

Interesting read though- in terms of taking a societal temperature during a specific time in American history. What a wild time, when every other neighbor could have easily been anarchist or socialist...

[James Govednik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some strong passages and sympathetic characters, but also a lot of rough edges. Interesting for its place in the author's development. I liked the depiction of Chicago labor c. 1900.

[Rob Branigin · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting juvenilia. the episodic, autobiographical glimpses into anderson's early life are fascinating and sharply drawn. the muddled politics only annoy.

[Pat Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Anderson's unique writing style. While it's not a cheerful tale, it is a good piece of classic creative writing.