Last week I shared with y’all the story of some of the locations in my city that appeared in Thomas Wolfe’s iconic novel Look Homeward Angel, and shared a photo of the actual “Angel” that became the title theme of the novel. However, Look Homeward Angel was not the original title of this historic work. When Wolfe submitted the manuscript, the title was O Lost, with a subtitle A Story of the Buried Life, which was also the subtitle of Look Homeward Angel.
As I mentioned in my last post, after having reread Look Homeward Angel, I read another version, which was O Lost. In his time, Thomas Wolfe was a great intellect, a man of words. But not only was Thomas Wolfe a man of words, he was a man of many words! Thus, the huge manuscript he submitted to Charles Scribner’s Sons/New York was taken over and edited by the great editor Maxwell Perkins who eventually, working with – and arguing with – Wolfe, cut roughly 66,000 words from the original manuscript for reasons of propriety and publishing economics, creating the Look Homeward Angel that became famous.
Arlyn Bruccoli, an independent scholar, and Matthew J. Bruccoli, a professor of English at the University of South Carolina, who spent much of their life and careers focusing on F. Scott Fitzgerald chose to, by using a carbon copy of the original typescript, establish the original text of Look Homeward Angel and have it released under the original title on the centenary of Wolfe’s birth. Thus, the world was given O Lost, and in doing so, Matthew Bruccoli felt that he and his wife had given ”a masterpiece to the literary canon” to the world of literature.
I read this work with great interest but, however, when I finished my long journey from start to finish, I couldn’t help but admire the work that the original editor Maxwell Perkins had done. Many scholars throughout the years have criticized Perkins work, actually saying that by his editing, the book was more his creation as opposed to Wolfe’s work. I can’t help but disagree with that opinion for I enjoyed the original version so much more. But…that is my opinion. For lovers of Wolfe, each of you must come to your own conclusion, if, you have the time to tread through an additional 66,000 words on your way “Homeward”.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I’m a huge Wolffe fan! I would love to read both versions and see the differences.
Joely Smith says
Interesting! I would love to read both now and see how I feel about this. I am a huge fan of original work usually but then I can’t say I have read both an original AND an edited version back to back, if at all.
Mandee says
Thanks for sharing! Fall is my favorite time to read and I can’t wait to check these out!
steph parrell says
I have never read any of this. This is the best time of year to start reading for sure. Love new ideas!
Gwendolyn M Mulholland says
I have not read either of these but I am always looking for new book recommendations. I will be adding these to my list.
Mimi Green says
I haven’t read any work from either author. In my experience the original is usually the best.
Melissa Dixon says
I have never heard of this before but my husband is a big fan of reading books like these so I will have to tell him about it.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
I have never heard of this before but I am going to have to check it out.
Sapphire Kharyzma says
I have to check this out. It sounds so interesting. I’ve never heard of it 🙂
Cyn Gagen says
This sounds really interesting. I’ve never read any Thomas Wolfe before but I’m going to add it to my reading list.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
I’ve never read it. I’m curious about the difference with the original one and the edited version though. I’d love to read this sometime soon.
Ricci says
This sounds like an interesting book and one I would LOVE to read! Thanks for the review!!
debra p says
I worked in book publishing for years so this is particularly interesting! I’d like to check out the differences.
Adaleta says
I honestly haven’t read anything by this author but this sounds very interesting. It would be something I would like to try and read.