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Twentieth-century literature frightens me --- especially if when naming an author or a
title, the words "avant garde" or "surrealism" are whispered in the
same breath. I am never confident that I'm going to understand or connect with the
writing, and I often find myself thinking that those writers lived and worked on a plane
of existence not accessible to mere mortals like myself. This, of course, is completely
silly. But when a book like THE GROVE PRESS READER 1951-2001 comes along, it is like a
godsend to me, for it allows me to sample works of those writers I think I'll never
understand should I attempt to tackle a novel or collection of stories in full.
This anthology is truly wonderful. An astounding collection of fiction, drama, and essays
from the amazing stable of writers promoted and published by Grove Press over the last 50
years, THE GROVE PRESS READER 1951-2001 will provide anyone with the chance to face their
literary fears and indulge themselves in the works of some of the (to me) most
intimidating writers I can think of.
In 1951, Barney Rosset bought a failing company called Grove Press for $3,000.00, then
proceeded to build it into "the era's most explosive and influential publishing
house." Rosset's wholehearted, passionate devotion to the idea that censorship in any
form was a means of social and political control, and his refusal to kowtow to the
mainstream publishing philosophies of the day, would eventually help in no small way to
usher in the cultural, political and sexual upheaval that would be called "The
Sixties."
The "Table of Contents" of THE GROVE PRESS READER 1951-2001 reads like a
"Who's Who" of 20th century literature. Here reside some of the most challenging
--- and controversial --- writers ever to be published, including Henry Miller, Anaïs
Nin, William S. Burroughs, Samuel Beckett, Jack Kerouac, and D. H. Lawrence. There is
great variety here, and one reads the book feeling as though one is sampling a large box
of exotic chocolates that, though they might not be for everyone, are rich and satisfying
in immeasurable ways if one has but the courage to take a taste. Letters, snippets of
plays, and a history of the press itself --- not to mention excerpts from books such as
TROPIC OF CANCER, NAKED LUNCH, and LADE CHATTERLY'S LOVER --- all combine to celebrate
both the history of excellent writing and the spirit of independent publishing, which
carried Grove Press and defined its principles and its legend. Anaïs Nin says it best in
her "Preface to Tropic of Cancer [1961]": "This book brings with it a wind
that blows down the dead and hollow trees whose roots are withered and lost in the barren
soil of our times...This book goes to the roots and digs under, digs for subterranean
springs."
For those unfamiliar with these writers, this is the book that will get you started. If
you've been reading these writers for years, THE GROVE PRESS READER 1951-2001 will
reacquaint you with their genius and talent. In an era of publishing as Big Business, it
is anthologies such as THE GROVE PRESS READER 1951-2001 that serve to remind us that good
writing does exist.
--- Reviewed by Laura G. Carter (lcarter2@triad.rr.com)
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