About the book
Sharp and moving reflections and ruminations on the artistry and craft of writing from one of our most iconoclastic, riveting, and celebrated masters.
Charles Bukowski’s stories, poems, and novels have left an enduring mark on our culture. In this collection of correspondence—letters to publishers, editors, friends, and fellow writers—the writer shares his insights on the art of creation.
On Writing reveals an artist brutally frank about the drudgery of work and canny and uncompromising about the absurdities of life—and of art. It illuminates the hard-edged, complex humanity of a true American legend and counterculture icon—the “laureate of American lowlife” (Time)—who stoically recorded society’s downtrodden and depraved. It exposes an artist grounded in the visceral, whose work reverberates with his central ideal: “Don't try.”
Piercing, poignant, and often hilarious, On Writing is filled not only with memorable lines but also with Bukowski’s trademark toughness, leavened with moments of grace, pathos, and intimacy.
More than a manual on craft, this is a survival guide for the creative soul—
- The Art of Rejection: See Bukowski’s unfiltered reactions to editors who didn’t understand his work, and the stubborn persistence that defined his career.
- Unflinching Advice for Writers: Discover the raw, hilarious, and brutally honest insights on the craft of writing he shared with friends and fellow artists.
- A Counterculture Icon’s Manifesto: Go behind the myth of the \"laureate of American lowlife\" to find a man uncompromising about the absurdities of art and existence.
- The \"Don’t Try\" Philosophy: Explore the central ideal of a writer grounded in the visceral, who found grace and pathos in society’s downtrodden.
Editions of On Writing
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780062417404
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062395986
Read an Excerpt
Sharp and moving reflections and ruminations on the artistry and craft of writing from one of our most iconoclastic, riveting, and celebrated masters.
Charles Bukowski’s stories, poems, and novels have left an enduring mark on our culture. In this collection of correspondence—letters to publishers, editors, friends, and fellow writers—the writer shares his insights on the art of creation.
On Writing reveals an artist brutally frank about the drudgery of work and canny and uncompromising about the absurdities of life—and of art. It illuminates the hard-edged, complex humanity of a true American legend and counterculture icon—the “laureate of American lowlife” (Time)—who stoically recorded society’s downtrodden and depraved. It exposes an artist grounded in the visceral, whose work reverberates with his central ideal: “Don't try.”
Piercing, poignant, and often hilarious, On Writing is filled not only with memorable lines but also with Bukowski’s trademark toughness, leavened with moments of grace, pathos, and intimacy.
More than a manual on craft, this is a survival guide for the creative soul—
- The Art of Rejection: See Bukowski’s unfiltered reactions to editors who didn’t understand his work, and the stubborn persistence that defined his career.
- Unflinching Advice for Writers: Discover the raw, hilarious, and brutally honest insights on the craft of writing he shared with friends and fellow artists.
- A Counterculture Icon’s Manifesto: Go behind the myth of the \"laureate of American lowlife\" to find a man uncompromising about the absurdities of art and existence.
- The \"Don’t Try\" Philosophy: Explore the central ideal of a writer grounded in the visceral, who found grace and pathos in society’s downtrodden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On Writing about?
Sharp and moving reflections and ruminations on the artistry and craft of writing from one of our most iconoclastic, riveting, and celebrated masters.
Charles Bukowski’s stories, poems, and novels have left an enduring mark on our culture. In this collection of correspondence—letters to publishers, editors, friends, and fellow writers—the writer shares his insights on the art of creation.
On Writing reveals an artist brutally frank about the drudgery of work and canny and uncompromising about the absurdities of life—and of art. It illuminates the hard-edged, complex humanity of a true American legend and counterculture icon—the “laureate of American lowlife” (Time)—who stoically recorded society’s downtrodden and depraved. It exposes an artist grounded in the visceral, whose work reverberates with his central ideal: “Don't try.”
Piercing, poignant, and often hilarious, On Writing is filled not only with memorable lines but also with Bukowski’s trademark toughness, leavened with moments of grace, pathos, and intimacy.
More than a manual on craft, this is a survival guide for the creative soul—
- The Art of Rejection: See Bukowski’s unfiltered reactions to editors who didn’t understand his work, and the stubborn persistence that defined his career.
- Unflinching Advice for Writers: Discover the raw, hilarious, and brutally honest insights on the craft of writing he shared with friends and fellow artists.
- A Counterculture Icon’s Manifesto: Go behind the myth of the \"laureate of American lowlife\" to find a man uncompromising about the absurdities of art and existence.
- The \"Don’t Try\" Philosophy: Explore the central ideal of a writer grounded in the visceral, who found grace and pathos in society’s downtrodden.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in On Writing?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Published diaries, letters and journals
Where can I read a sample of On Writing?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062417404
Who is/are the Author/s of the book On Writing?
Charles Bukowski
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
On Writing is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062417404) and ebook(ISBN 9780062395986)
Where can I buy On Writing online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy On Writing from below
Where can I buy On Writing?