Description

Description: In this encouraging two-page letter to a prospective undergraduate, Martha Burr, the writer John Gardner introduces the creative writing program at the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he taught between 1974-82. He touts his own writing successes, as well as, the programs “regularly publishing and prize-winning Creative Writing staff” (Milton Kessler, Dave Smith, Heather McHugh, L. M. Rosenburg, Marcia Falk, Jack Verson, Barry Taragan, Loften Mitchell, and Leonard Melfi). Assuming that all creative writing students “are characteristically interested in cultural activities of all kinds,” he includes the accomplishments of the music department, the theater department and the art department, and the campus’s proximity to New York City. He reminds the student about available scholarships and encourages her to call him or other faculty in the program or the English Department should she choose to visit the campus. Signed “Your truly / John Gardner”

Typed letter on an 11” x  8 ½”  sheet of  State University at Binghamton letterhead. Includes a promotional postcard for his novel, Freddy’s Book. Item #A02078

John Gardner (1933-1982) was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, and literary critic. He gained significance with his novel Grendel, a retelling of Beowulf from the monster’s point of view. His book of literary criticism, On Moral Fiction provoked a lot of controversy. The Art of Fiction and On Becoming a Novelist, were published posthumously in 1983.

Condition: Mailing foldlines and some light cockling. Otherwise in very good condition.