The Thurber Letters: The Wit, Wisdom, and Surprising Life of James Thurber

by Rosemary A. Thurber (Contributor), Harrison Kinney (Editor)

A comprehensive collection of letters by the great American humorist chronicles his years as a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, as well as his later career with The New Yorker and his relationships with E. B. White and Peter De Vries, among others. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Biography

816 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Daniel Hiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Thurber (1894-1961) was fortunate to live in a time when he could rub shoulders with the likes of Robert Benchley, Fred Allen, and E. B. White. He survived two world wars, numerous marriages, failing eyesight, editing jobs and editors, all the while writing and illustrating stories which established him as one of America’s top humorists.

“Letters” is a massive collection of Thurber’s correspondence- a treasure trove for anyone who wants further enlightenment about the man and the times he lived in. It is also a labor of love that required much guessing and proofing, due to much of the writing being the result of dictation, due to the writer’s failing eyesight. But that being said, newcomers to James T. would be better off reading his stories and books first.

Yes, this is an outstanding collection of correspondence stretching from the author’s teenage years all the way up to his last months- but, like any banquet, this collection is best consumed in reasonable portions, when it can be best digested and appreciated.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collections of letters have always been interesting to me, especially those associated with twentieth century American literature. They capture a time in a way we’re unlikely to see again. These provide an insight into Thurber’s life, as well as his outspoken views on writing, editors, and publishers.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a vast collection of the correspondence of one of America's great humorists, edited by Harrison Kinney with Thurber's daughter, Rosemary A. Thurber. (It's so vast that it took me a good six months to read, dipping in and out). Encompassing Thurber's life from his twenties to the end of his life and including letters to family, friends, strangers, and fellow writers and New Yorker colleagues, this is a wonderful look into Thurber's life, times, and complex character. It even includes some of his drawings I'd never seen before - I particularly loved the "well-hung newcomer to the nudist camp" drawing. If you're a Thurber fan (and boy, I am), you'll love dipping into this cornucopia.

[Wens Tan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always fascinating to delve into the mind of another, esp first-hand.

Thurber's life was less idiosyncratic and innocent than his characters. His love affairs through letters, his harsh letters when he disagreed with a policy. At the same time, his kindness in answering letters of aspiring authors. A little less lovable on the whole, but more human.

[Amy Bergethon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the humor of James Thurber. This was free for Kindle so I thought I'd give it a try. A collection of letters to his friends and relatives, it's kind of interesting to a big fan like me, but I still prefer Thurber's intentionally-published (and perhaps more meticulously edited) writings.

[Alethea Gerding · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's certainly not a page-turner, but reading behind-the-scenes New Yorker politics and editing and writing kerfuffles was definitely fascinating.