Author and Agent

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

From his first letter to Welty in 1940 (``an agent is rather a benevolent parasite because authors as a rule make more when they have an agent than they do without one''), agent Russell of Russell and Volkening kept up a dedicated correspondence of more than 30 years' duration with the Southern writer. Drawing on these letters, Vanderbilt University English professor Kreyling chronicles the course of the unusually close and enduring relationship the two enjoyed. From his early unflagging efforts to sell Welty's stories to houses interested only in novels to his later support through a period of chaotic change in the publishing industry, Russell functioned as her literary mentor and business adviser, and was clearly instrumental in bringing the author's work to a larger audience. Although Kreyling's style is merely workmanlike, the book takes a revealing look at the often misunderstood relationship between author and agent. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)

Library Journal

The 30-year literary relationship between Welty and her agent Russell is here chronicled through use of the letters that frequently passed between the two. The letters reveal an agent who believed in the art and potential of his client and an author who unconditionally trusted the judgment, instincts, and integrity of her agent. Beyond the portrait of an admirable relationship between author and agent, this work provides insight into the publishing world, the early views and prejudices toward short stories and writers from the South, the obstacles to getting published, and the individual struggles and writing habits of Welty. An enjoyable and enlightening contribution to literary history.--Jeris Cassel, Rutgers Univ. Libs., New Brunswick, N.J.

Booknews

Drawing on their correspondence over some 30 years, Kreyling (English, Vanderbilt U.) traces the deeply affectionate symbiotic relationship between the great writer and her literary agent. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From Barnes & Noble

Drawing on their spirited correspondence, this portrait chronicles the successful literary partnership that began in 1940 between fledgling agent Diarmuid Russell and a relatively unknown Southern writer, Eudora Welty. "A valuable book that allows us to peek through a keyhole at an extraordinary relationship."- The New York Times. B&W photos.