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by: John Gardner
List Price: $12.95Amazon.com's Price: $10.36 You Save: $2.59 (20%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.3
EAN: 9780679734031
ISBN: 0679734031
Label: Vintage
Manufacturer: Vintage
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 240
Publication Date: June 04, 1991
Publisher: Vintage
Release Date: June 04, 1991
Sales Rank: 29189
Studio: Vintage
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
'John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this book) is his . . . gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend.'--The New York Times Book Review.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - Target Audience: Literary Writers, But Genre Can Gain Too
John Gardner let's you know in his preface that he is writing this book for the serious writer (who he defines as the literary writer), so my fellow sci fi and fantasy writers (genre), we are not his target audience. However, that does not mean we can not learn from him.
I do not recommend this to the writer who is beginning their journey. By beginning, I mean who has never written a novel-length manuscript (unpublished of course) or at least a novella. I think Gardner presents too much ... Read More
Rating: - Vividness, Psychic Distance, and Word Rhythms
After finishing this book, I had mixed feelings. I liked how it helped integrate three quality concepts into my writing (mentioned in title), but at the same time, I felt like Gardner's audience was only white male MFA (masters of fine arts) students. I had only read about half the classic literature works used as references, and of those, I hated several (notably the works of Faulkner). Gardner mentions novels a modern editor would be horrified at as 'shining examples.'
"The Art of Fiction" ... Read More
Rating:  - A Brilliant Teacher
In my opinion, The Art of Fiction is both a stellar example of good writing and a highly encouraging tome on the art of fiction. Gardner's language usage and word flow is worth the cost of it alone.
In reading it, you recognize it is more of a philosophical look at the art of writing than it is a nuts-and-bolts piece on the craft of writing. This book does not delve into as many ABC's or 1-2-3's as other how-to books concerning fiction writing. It aspires more to the abstract process of story within ... Read More
Rating: - Happy Customer
Got what I want in the condition I wanted when I expected. Good work.
Rating:  - 2 Stars.
This book has many wonderful reviews. I ordered the book and was looking forward to reading it. So I read it, then read it again. I didnt find much that is helpful to new writers. Certainly no "Ah,Hah!" moments.
Gardner reminds me of something a professor once told me: "If you were lost in the Amazon jungle would you want an Indian to help you OR someone who knows a lot about Indians?" Gardner knows a lot about writers! This book showcases his knowledge of writers and literature. Very interesting book. ... Read More
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