William Faulkner: Toward Yoknapatawpha and Beyond

by Cleanth Brooks

In this companion volume to William The Yoknapatawpha Country, Cleanth Brooks takes an in-depth look at Faulkner's early poetry and prose as well as his five non-Yoknapatawpha novels -- Soldiers Pay, Mosquitoes, Pylon, The Wild Palms, and A Fable. Brooks also offers relevant clarification of some of his earlier interpretations of Faulkner that have been challenged -- most notably in the case of Faulkner that have been challenged -- most notable in the case of Absalom, Absalom!, which he considers Faulkner's greatest novel. Recognizing that the creative and imaginative center of Faulkner's art is Yoknapatawpha County, Brooks examines the merits of each of the works set beyond these boundaries and explores how these writings complement Faulkner as an artist. He sheds light on the literary sources that influenced Faulkner's early work and the technical innovations and general themes Faulkner was to develop in his later writing. The notes and appendixes with which Brooks concludes Toward Yoknapatawpha and Beyond serve only to amplify this comprehensive study.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Nonfiction, Criticism, Southern, Literature, Essays, Biography

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 1963

Reviews

[Aya · Rating 3 out of 5]

At no point in reading Cleanth Brook's treatment of Faulkner do you stop wishing you were reading Faulkner, which isn't really Brook's fault I suppose.

Perhaps it isn't fair to require literary theorists to write about our favorite books. No matter how thorough Brooks manages to make his survey of Faulkner's work his collection fails to capture or sustain the kind of language that I think flourishes in the best criticism. Intelligent, clear, well written there is not anything to say against this book just not enough to say for it. Since Brooks avoided a chronological arrangement I have to wonder why he segmented off his review of Faulkner by novel. It is themes that Brooks seems to excel at the most. As it is he stops repeatedly in every chapter to either remind us of a previous book or summarize one that will follow. (He also annoys me considerably by spending about 4 pages comparing Gavin to Sir Tristan when there are so many, better, allusions to explore)

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This and its companion volume William Faulkner: The Yoknapatawpha Country are outstanding classics of literary criticism of one of America's most talented and iconic writers of the 20th century, the amazing William Faulkner. Whether you are just entering the Faulkner universe or coming back to enjoy it again, the book has a great introduction to his short stories and the books that did not take place in his Yokonapatawpha County (with the exception of a chapter on Flags in the Dust and the origins of that mythical place). A must for Faulkner fans.

[Lark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Critically somewhat out of date but absolutely mandatory reading for Faulkner enthusiasts or scholars.

[Anthony Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

His essay "The Narrative Structure of Absalom, Absalom!" is the best explanation of the novel I have read and I have read most everything about it. It is the greatest novel ever written.

[Franc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best single-volume book on Faulkner's webwork of Yoknapatawpha novels. It's a masterclass from one of the great critics of the 20th century. Brooks guides you through the novels in the order he's found to be most accessible and comprehendible. My copy is dog-eared and lead-filled from working my way through all the novels in college when I should have been studying for other classes. Since then, I dip back into a chapter after each re-read of a Faulkner book. William Faulkner: Toward Yoknapatawpha and Beyondl is Brooks' excellent companion volume explaining Faulkner's non-series novels.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding. Do not read Faulkner without it!

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year, I began a Faulkner study program which will last a couple years or more. Before I began any fiction, I wanted to read about the fictional county that Faulkner created in Mississippi. This is not my first read, but it is my first "deep study" of a fictional place that represents the mental and physical landscape of William Faulkner's works. It is invaluable to the reader/student of Faulkner. Brooks cofounded The Southern Review and was a Faulkner scholar among many other things literary. Every Faulkner student needs this book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come.