Understanding Hubert Selby, Jr.

Since the publication in 1964 of his novel LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN, which quickly became a cult classic, Hubert Selby, Jr., has held a place as one of the foremost exponents of American underground literature. In this study, James Giles examines the controversial writer's four novels and one collection of short stories to make the case that Selby's writings represent an innovative merger of both "naturalistic" and "surrealistic" modes.

About the author

Elisabeth Rauh Bethel is a member of the Department of English at Northern Illinois University and the author of The Naturalistic Inner-City Novel in America: Encounters with the Fat Man, Confronting the Horror: The Novels of Nelson Algren, and Irwin Shaw: A Study of the Short Fiction.

Summary

In examining the four novels and one collection of short stories by Hubert Selby Jr, this author argues that the full complexity of his fiction has not previously been understood. It contends that Selby's writings, represent an innovative merger of two narrative modes.

Product details

• Authors: James R Giles, James R. Giles, James Richard Giles
• Assisted by: Matthew J. Bruccoli (Editor)
• Publisher: Univ of south carolina press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.02.1998
• EAN: 9781570031762
• ISBN: 978-1-57003-176-2
• No. of pages: 164
• Dimensions: 140 mm x 191 mm x 19 mm
• Series: Understanding Contemporary Ame; Understanding Contemporary American Literature; Understanding Contemporary Ame; Understanding Contemporary American Literature
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Amerika, Literature - Classics / Criticism, LITERARY CRITICISM / American / General