Celebrated in his prime, forgotten in his final years, only to be championed anew by our greatest contemporary authors, Richard Yates has always exposed readers to the unsettling hypocrisies of our modern age. In Blake Bailey's masterful and entertaining biography, Yates himself serves as the fascinating lens into mid-century America, a world of would-be artists, depressed housewives, addled businessmen, high living, wistful striving, and self-deception. The story of Richard Yates here stands as a singular reminder of what the writer must sacrifice for his craft, the devil's bargain of artistry for happiness, praise for sanity.
Chapter 1. The Caliche Road: 1926–1939
Chapter 2. A Good School: 1939–1944
Chapter 3. The Canal: 1944–1947
Chapter 4. Liars in Love: 1947–1951
Chapter 5. The Getaway: 1951–1953
Chapter 6. A Cry of Prisoners: 1953–1959
Chapter 7. A Glutton for Punishment: 1959–1961
Chapter 8. The World on Fire: 1961–1962
Chapter 9. Uncertain Times: 1962–1964
Chapter 10. A New Yorker Discovers the Middle West: 1964–1966
Chapter 11. A Natural Girl: 1966–1968
Chapter 12. A Special Providence: 1968–1969
Chapter 13. Fun with a Stranger: 1970–1974
Chapter 14. Disturbing the Peace: 1974–1976
Chapter 15. Out with the Old: 1976–1978
Chapter 16. Young Hearts Crying: 1979–1984
Chapter 17. No Pain Whatsoever: 1985–1988
Chapter 18. A Cheer for Realized Men: 1988–1992