Dirda on Books – Transcript Michael Dirda Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, July 7, 1999

Michael Dirda The Washington Post

Michael Dirda's name appears weekly in The Post's Book World section. If he's not reviewing a fat literary biography or an ambitious new novel, he's likely to be writing a lighthearted essay about the joys and burdens of living in a house filled with way too many books. Although he holds a PhD in comparative literature from Cornell, Dirda is still smart enough to be an unabashed fan of "The Simpsons," noting that "the show's genius derives from its details." He also loves P.G. Wodehouse, intellectual history, children's books and locked-room mysteries – just the sort of range you'd expect from a Pulitzer Prize winner for distinguished criticism.

These days, Dirda says he spends inordinate amounts of time mourning his lost youth and daydreaming ("my only real pastime"). Otherwise he just reads books and writes about them, with occasional visits to secondhand bookstores in search of treasures. He claims that the happiest hours of his week are spent sitting in front of a computer working on his reviews and Readings columns. "Do not imagine that I regard my taste for literary artifacts as anything but shameless and vulgar," Dirda says, "I have sunk so low as to covet Edward Gorey coffee mugs. I yearn for a bust of Dante to place on a bookcase."

Baltimore, MD: Hello, Michael. Love your essays, reviews and the chat. You do such a wonderful job of conveying the joys of reading. My question: I have been dismayed at how the pages of some of my older books are yellowing. To avoid this, I have started seeking out books printed on acid-free paper. Sometimes, though, there's no indication in the book about whether the paper is acid-free. Is it safe to assume that all hardbacks and trade paperbacks are on acid-free paper? Is there a way to tell if the paper is acid-free, even when that's not noted on the book? Thanks.

Michael Dirda: Unless the copyright page states that the paper is acid-free or ph neutral, it probably isn't--unless your book was printed before the invention of the papermaking machine in the early 19th century. Some early books age relatively little, if you're lucky enough to have one manufactured on good paper, but most paperbacks of the past 30 years will deteriorate pretty quickly. You'll be lucky if they outlive you, unless you're well up in years. The best way to care for your books is to maintain a steady temperature, low humidity and keep them away from light.

Washington, D.C.: Hello, Michael. Are you aware of any information -or rumors- regarding Thomas Pynchon's next novel? I've heard nothing since the publication of Mason & Dixon. Also, what did you think of Mason & Dixon?

Michael Dirda: Have heard nothing about a new novel. I reviewed Mason and Dixon and liked it a lot--it's a difficult, autumnal novel, without a lot of obvious narrative appeal, though much of it is very funny. It came out the same year as De Lillo's Underworld and Frazier's Cold Mountain, and was rather overshadowed by those books--the DeLillo should have won at least some award. But I actually think M&D the most profound and touching of those books.

College Park, MD: As a constant and appreciative reader of your reviews and your column "Readings," which I would, by the way, endorse as a weekly offering, I know that you focus on prose.However, I was wondering whether your own literary taste includes poetry. One of my own favorite poets is Linda Pastan,a local and well-regarded poet whose writing is both accessible, and thought-provoking, and often provides me with a shock of recognition.

Michael Dirda: I do write most often about prose, but I've reviewed poetry with some regularity. Over the years I've written about Seamus Heaney, Donald Hall, Alice Walker, Geoffrey Hill, Anthony Hecht, John Ashbery, Jorie Graham, Kenneth Koch, and many others. I see. I tend to prefer witty, classical-style verse, and tend not to like confessional philosophical stuff. I've written Pastan up in New In Paperback, but have never reviewed her, though I like her work.

atlantic beach,FL: I have written a non-fiction first novel, what chance will I have in getting it published?

Michael Dirda: What is a nonfiction first novel? As for the publishing question: How good is it? Have you sent it to an agent or editor? You can't win unless you enter.

Fairfax, VA: Just a comment. Several people in last week's chat expressed a preference for your essays over your book reviews. While I enjoy your essays, I especially enjoy your reviews that lead me to books I would not otherwise try. One notable example is Le Ton Beau de Marot by
Douglas Hofstadter, which I spent many hours relishing. Even though your praise for it was qualified, I knew it was the kind of book I'd enjoy. Thank you for sharing your passion for reading, and may your essays and reviews continue for many years.

Michael Dirda: Thank you--people do like my reviews, but they seem to prefer the essays, so I'm grateful when the writing that requires the most work receives a little recognition. If you like Le Ton Beau de Marot, keep an eye out for William Gass's forthcoming book on translating Rilke, or look for Performing Without a Stage, a study of translation by Robert Wechsler.

Cleveland, Ohio: What are your thoughts on the writings of Salmon Rushdie? I was absolutely enchanted by The Moor's Last Sigh. For me, it was one of those magical books that changes the way you view the possibilities of fiction. However, I have twice since then started Midnight's Children without being able to finish it. As a result, I have been reluctant to pick up his new novel. Is this a sign of some deep character flaw or am I onto something?

Michael Dirda: You like The Moor's Last Sigh because it's a wonderful book--after all, I said so. Midnight's Children has earned lots of kudos, but that doesn't mean it will appeal to everyone. I think Moor is Rushdie's best all round book. You should probably try The Ground BEneath Her Feet, if only to figure out whether there's something unique to Moor that you respond to.

Arlington, VA: I frequently see typos in first edition hardbacks that I buy. Is this becoming more of a problem? What do you think of the current state of editing on the publishing industry?

Michael Dirda: When I read--pencil in hand--I nearly always find a few typos and errors of fact in new books. People say that editing has declined since there are fewer defrocked Anglican ministers looking for these jobs. In truth, I suspect that editing is laxer, fewer people know grammar well, and most publishers figure that nobody will care. On the other hand, mistakes have always been made. Remember errata slips? One could hardly pick up a scholarly book without finding a list of typos and errors, which the author was grateful to have the chance to correct in subsequent impressions.

Bethesda, MD: Do you enjoy Tom Robbins' novels? I have found that people either love or hate his work.

Michael Dirda: Never read any--They've always sounded like fun, but somehow I missed them and I'm probably beyond their appeal now. But maybe not? Should I try Another Roadside Attraction or Even Cowgirls Get the Blues?

Bethesda, MD: What do you think of the "steampunk" fantasy works of Tim Powers and earlier James Blaylock? Are there any other writers in this genre that you would recommend?

Michael Dirda: Have only read a little Powers--The Stress of My Regard--which didn't work very well. My wife loves The Anubis Gates. You should try the genre I call the "antiquarian romance": Sterling and Gibon's The Difference Engine, Lawrence Norfolk's Lempriere's Dictionary, Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum.

washington, dc: I love your essays in Book World--I actually save some of them, to re-read later -I especially liked your graduation advice, a couple of Sundays ago-. I was wondering--how does one get a job like yours? I am interested in getting a Ph.D in english lit, already have a MA in creative writing. what do you suggest?

Thanks

Michael Dirda: I do have a Ph.D. in comp lit, but it has been useful to me mainly because I needed to read widely to earn it. In fact, I spent four years in grad school taking courses--two years in medieval studies, two years in European romanticism. I think you should only go to grad school if you have apassion for teaching or scholarship. To get a job like mine--not necessarily something I would wish on you, deposited appearances--you need to acquire clips. So find some periodical that will print your articles and reviews. When you have a sheaf, then try to write for a better publication, and so move up the ladder.

washington, dc: I'm increasingly frustrated by book reviews that don't give the reader the slightest hint whether he or she might enjoy the book. As an example, a review of Bob Woodward's "Shadow" in yesterday's Post focuses on the reviewer's opinion that investigative reporters like Woodward deserve some of the blame for the post-Watergate scandal mentality. Interesting thesis. But the reviewer says nothing about whether the book is well-written, engaging, or worth my finite reading time. On the other hand, two recent reviews of "True at First Light" tell us bluntly that Hemingway's posthumous novel is "dreadful" and "seems interminable." This, frankly, is much more useful information to me. Michael, whatever happened to that classic punch line from our grade-school book reports: "I would -or would not] recommend this book"? Isn't that one of the major purposes of a book review?

Michael Dirda: To your last question--yes and no. Apt description lies at the heart of the reviewing. If a reviewer does a good job of describing the book, a reader will know 1) whether it's the kind of book he or she will like, and 2) will also know whether the reviewer enjoyed the book or not. I also think the reviewer needs to quote from the novel or biography or whatever so that readers will gain some sense of its style. But most of all, a review needs to be fun to read or it won't be read at all.

rockville, md: you mentioned some time back that you had received an email from the english teacher who had inspired your love of reading and about whom you had written an essay. did anything come from the communication that you would like to share?

Michael Dirda: The piece on Mr. Wright led to my driving up to Dover, Delaware for an end-of-the-school-year party with him and my other favorite teacher, Mr. Latsko. It was a strange and slightly disconcerting experience--these were mythic creatures I hadn't seen since I was 12. I will write about the afternoon someday.

Chicago, IL: I'm curious regarding your opinion of Guy Davenport. Do you think he's worthwhile, or more flash than substance.

Michael Dirda: You must have missed my long Readings column about Davenport, pegged to the publication of The Hunter Gracchus and Other Papers. He is my favorite living essayist. I also like his early stories a lot, have some trouble with the Fourierist sexuality of some of the other fiction. But the man is amazingly widely read, possesses a rare joy in knowing things, and conveys it all in a style that I find irresistible. My own work--if that doesn't sound too grandiose--is based on the models of Randall Jarrell and Cyril Connolly, with a touch of Davenport.

Washington, D.C.: I am a big Wallace Stegner fan. Unfortunately, I am running out of his books to read. Would you please suggest an author with similar work.

Michael Dirda: How about Paul Horgan? roughly the same generation, writes about the west. wonderful book on the rio grande. Lots of novels, mostly out of print or in libraries.

Falls Church, VA: I enjoyed your essay about Lord Berner's novels, since I've always enjoyed the character of Lord Merlin in Nancy Mitford's novels. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a copy at a local bookstore. I like to support the stores and not use online booksellers. Do you find that, even with the proliferation of bookstores in the area, it's sometimes hard to find the books you want?

Michael Dirda: Obviously, I don't have to buy new books very often, but I do sometimes feel frustrated when I can't find a book I need. This is why I collect--you need to plan ahead, have the books available when you need them. I've found that DC is a very good second-hand book town and with some effort the titles you need do turn up.

Washington: I am an editor who has been in publishing in this area for 10-15 years, and I can tell you that good editors -i.e., people who know grammar, punctuation, etc.- ARE hard to find.

Not to knock your profession, Mr. Dirda, but journalists often have a great number of typos in their stories. I blame this mostly on the speed with which they have to publish; but still, a good copyeditor should catch more errors than I see in newspapers -- not to mention magazines and books.

Sadly, I think those who say that people don't care about this sort of thing any more are correct. Though I will keep caring myself till the day I day -- and maybe even a few days after that!

-Now I'm praying there aren't any typos in my message.-

Michael Dirda: Thanks for the expert viewpoint. Since I work three days as an editor, I know we make lots of mistakes, both at Book World and in the Post in general. Some of it results from speed, some of it from ignorance, much of it from fatigue. One can easily burn out after a couple of decades improving other people's prose. I envy and admire your determination.

Chicago, Il: Fourierist?

Thanks for your comments. I actually enjoy Davenport's essays a great deal, but sometimes worry that I'm easily taken in by witty displays of learning.

Michael Dirda: DAvenport thinks Fourier the great thinker of the 19th century. There's a pretty good biography, though you can get a hint of the man from the chapter in Heilbroner's The Worldly Philosophers

DC: What is you opinion about releasing posthumous works, especially unfinished ones? I'm thinking of the Ellison and Hemingway books that have recently been issued. It seems to me so much more about marketing than literature, a fact I can't imagine either men appreciating much. Well, maybe Hemingway but only because he would have found it funny happening to someone else.

Michael Dirda: Well, you're basically right: These are marketing, rather than aesthetic decisions. Still, if one is a fan of Ellison or Hemingway, one wants to read everything. The dishonor here is in leading people to believe that the works are up to their author's best. or even second-best. Or that they represent final intentions rather than editorial reconstructions.

Washington, DC: I don't read much science fiction, but a friend recently recommended that I try some of the books by Connie Willis? She thought I might like them because they are more character driven, less gadget driven. have you read her? Are there any you recommend?

Michael Dirda: Willis is good, and often very funny. Her most famous story is Fire Watch, in which time travelers try to prevent the destruction of a London church. SHe later went on to write a series of books around this theme.

Newport News, VA: I really enjoyed "Cold Mountain." Based on this will I enjoy "Jacob's Ladder" given to me on Father's Day, and is there any similarity?

Michael Dirda: Donald McCaig is a wonderful writer--as readers of Nop's Trials--the best "dog" book of our time--know. I think you will enjoy Jacob's Ladder a lot.

Fairfax, Virginia: Did you see the recent Time magazine article on E.B. White? It was, like his writing is to me, charming!

Though I am long past childhood, I read "Charlotte's Web" earlier this year and adored it. What do you think of it in particular and White's writing in general?

Michael Dirda: Long been an admirer of White's clearn, hewn prose, which is always better when I reread it than I remember it. I think he's picked up a reputation as being kind of a cutesy crusty New ENglander. But his letters are delightfully funny and pieces like "The Door" and "DEath of a Pig" are deserved classics. I liked Charlotte's Web, but the video--much watched by my three children over the years--has pretty much wrecked the book for me.

Silver Spring, MD: The reviews of Peter Mayle's latest book have been luke warm and even cold. I'm finding it a very good read: not quite as knee-slapping funny as the previous ones but full of great information. Bought it for my permanent connection. What are your thoughts on it?

Michael Dirda: I reviewed it, liked it, thought it much like his other work, including his Riviera thrillers, which I enjoy as light vacation fare. People should judge books for what they do, not what they don't try to do.

Philadelphia, PA: What is your opinion of Joseph Conrad's work, and which of his novels is generally thought of the most highly? I found "Lord Jim" to be one of the most moving novels, and "Typhoon" to be one of the most thrilling adventure stories, that I have ever read.

Michael Dirda: F.R. Leavis thought Nostromo to be Conrad's greatest work, though it can be a bit slow-going. To the world in general his major works are Heart of DArkness and the short story, The Secret Sharer. They are deeply impressive. Hemingway once said that if he could bring back Conrad to life by grinding up T.S. Eliot, he'd be on his way to Eliot's house with a meat grinder immediately.

Washington, D.C.: I enjoyed your column in last Sunday's Post on "Harry Potter." In that column you mentioned the James Bond books. Have you read any or many?

I have read and loved them all and want to testify that they are NOT like the movies. I would heartily recommend them, as I did the Tarzan books -which are also not like the movies- a few weeks back.

Michael Dirda: I've read all the Bond books except The Spy Who Loved Me. They are very different from the movies--which I hasten to add I like a lot too. Fleming was a terrific writer of popular fiction. have you ever read Kingsley Amis's delightful The James Bond Dossier?

College Park,MD: As an English teacher, I consider myself a constant editor and on-line instructor of student writing. One question I grapple with is whether or not language and usage are changing -split infinitives, "myriad" as noun rather than adjective-, or if giving in to such changes is a
lazy response to the demands of fine writing. I would appreciate your viewpoint.

Michael Dirda: Language is bound to change, needs to grow, or it will lose its immediacy. But I think we should teach traditional grammar and insist on it. Those who are geniuses can break the rules. But people have been splitting infinitives for centuries, and I don't think that's a rule that bears insisting on. Nor does not ending a sentence with a preposition.

Silver Spring, MD: I'm determined to finally read a Russian novel this summer. Can you recommend a good translation of Crime and Punishment?

Michael Dirda: C and P is such a powerful book that any translation will do. The latest by Pevear and Volokhonsky (sp?) struck me as reasonably good, but if you want to be safe, pick up the Norton Critical Edition of the novel--it comes with lots of notes and background material, as well as a fine translation.

Washington DC: Well, from this past bookworld column I know you like William Gibson's Neuromancer. Why? I skimmed over it but couldn't get submerged, didn't like the dialogue & couldn't tell what it was about. I guess I should give it another shot? The cyberspace theme reminded me of Lem's futurological congress which was really a drug induced kind of cyberspace that you don't realize until the end - far superior. Some hate Lem as too intellectual or pompous? What do you think of Lem?

Michael Dirda: Love Futuorological Congress. Neuromancer has been a deeply influential book, and I like it a lot, though it's not quite as original as it sometimes seems. Molly, the street warrior, is quite wonderful and few guys will resist falling in love with her. Case, of course, never saw her again.

Bethesda: Michael

A Simpson's quiz:

Q: Where did Marge first lay eyes on Homer?

A. A gymnastic competition
B. In line to buy tickets to a Steve Miller concert
C. A doughnut shop
D. High school detention

A: The answer is the first letter of the first line of Gravity's Rainbow.

Michael Dirda: "A screaming comes across the sky. . ." So there's your answer.

Alexandria, VA: This is not a question but a thank you for recommending M.F.K. Fisher's books. I picked up My Gastronomic Life at the library and fell in love with her writing. I'm a person who dashes through a book I like, but this time am forcing myself to read slowly and savor each word. Lovely!

Michael Dirda: You're lucky--Fisher wrote a lot, and nearly all of it is good: Such a sensuous woman.

Rockville, MD: Just curious...who or what says "the golden age of reading is roughly 9 to 14" -Book World 7-4-? I took a Children's Lit class a few years back and the instructor mentioned that you know if a child is a "reader" by the age of 8 or 9. In this context, "reader" meant the child would choose reading as an activity, as opposed to their actual ability or literacy. I was just wondering if your comment followed from the same source.

Michael Dirda: It's actually a variation of a science fiction joke--the golden age of science fiction is 12 or 9-14 or something like that. In truth, the great age of reading is those few years just before the sex hormones kick in and divert our energies to other pathways.

powell oh: Did you ever imagine, while sitting in Mr. Latsko's 7th grade English class, that you would some day win a Pulitzer Prize?

You were truly destined to be "the Great One."

Belated congratulations. Bob

Michael Dirda: Is this Bob Brent? If so, write to me at dirdam@washpost.com. Wright,Latsko and I talked about you last week.
This seems the perfect place to break for this session.I'm sorry if I didn't get to your question. Please try again next time--WEdnesday at 2. Till then, keep reading! md