It came out three weeks ago, but I have been too busy to post about it. After twenty years of research, during which author Greg Christie went blind and I took over the final editing, the epic story of Eric Knight has been published.
It was a privilege to be a part of the process whereby Greg unravelled this remarkable story. I was able to help him as mentor, critic and friend, finally as editor.
Throughout the process, which began in 1999, I never returned to the burgeoning manuscript without feeling yet again, in my bones, that this was one of the truly great stories to emerge from mid-twentieth century literature. (Yes, I did say literature - because there was an awful lot more to Eric Knight than the little pot-boiler he wrote about a shaggy dog; an awful lot.)
I was constantly reminded, too, that this story is important for movie historians (the lad worked in Hollywood, and detested the place), military historians (he worked hand-in-glove with FDR in striving to secure American involvement in World War II) and students of the American Dream - because he lived it, big time.
Okay, I'll shut up now and suggest that you read the book. You will NOT be disappointed.
It was a privilege to be a part of the process whereby Greg unravelled this remarkable story. I was able to help him as mentor, critic and friend, finally as editor.
Throughout the process, which began in 1999, I never returned to the burgeoning manuscript without feeling yet again, in my bones, that this was one of the truly great stories to emerge from mid-twentieth century literature. (Yes, I did say literature - because there was an awful lot more to Eric Knight than the little pot-boiler he wrote about a shaggy dog; an awful lot.)
I was constantly reminded, too, that this story is important for movie historians (the lad worked in Hollywood, and detested the place), military historians (he worked hand-in-glove with FDR in striving to secure American involvement in World War II) and students of the American Dream - because he lived it, big time.
Okay, I'll shut up now and suggest that you read the book. You will NOT be disappointed.
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