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Max Perkins: Editor of Genius

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Max Perkins was an American book editor who played a pivotal role in the development of some of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe. As an editor at Scribner's, Perkins was known for his keen eye for talent, his nurturing of young writers, and his meticulous attention to detail. He is credited with helping to shape the careers of some of the most important American writers of his time.

Max Perkins: Editor of Genius

by A. Scott Berg

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Career

Max Perkins was born in New York City on September 20, 1884. He attended Harvard University, where he studied English literature. After graduating from Harvard, Perkins worked as a reporter for the New York Times. In 1910, he joined Scribner's as an editor. Perkins quickly rose through the ranks at Scribner's, and by 1919 he was the editor-in-chief. As editor-in-chief, Perkins was responsible for acquiring and editing some of the most important works of American literature of the 20th century.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

One of Perkins's most famous discoveries was F. Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was a young writer who had submitted his first novel, This Side of Paradise, to Scribner's. Perkins saw something special in Fitzgerald's writing, and he worked closely with him to develop the novel. This Side of Paradise was published in 1920 and was a critical and commercial success. Fitzgerald went on to become one of the most popular and influential American writers of the 1920s. Perkins continued to work with Fitzgerald throughout his career, editing all of his major novels, including The Great Gatsby (1925) and Tender Is the Night (1934).

Ernest Hemingway

Another one of Perkins's most important discoveries was Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was a young writer who had submitted his first novel, The Sun Also Rises, to Scribner's. Perkins saw something special in Hemingway's writing, and he worked closely with him to develop the novel. The Sun Also Rises was published in 1926 and was a critical and commercial success. Hemingway went on to become one of the most popular and influential American writers of the 20th century. Perkins continued to work with Hemingway throughout his career, editing all of his major novels, including A Farewell to Arms (1929) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940).

Thomas Wolfe

Perkins's most challenging discovery was Thomas Wolfe. Wolfe was a young writer who had submitted his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel, to Scribner's. Perkins recognized Wolfe's talent, but he also saw that the novel was too long and unfocused. Perkins worked closely with Wolfe to revise and edit the novel. Look Homeward, Angel was published in 1929 and was a critical and commercial success. Wolfe went on to become one of the most popular and influential American writers of the 1930s. Perkins continued to work with Wolfe throughout his career, editing all of his major novels, including Of Time and the River (1935) and You Can't Go Home Again (1940).

Legacy

Max Perkins died in New York City on June 17, 1947. He was 62 years old. Perkins is considered one of the most important figures in American publishing history. He is credited with helping to shape the careers of some of the most important American writers of the 20th century. His work helped to define the American literary landscape and continues to influence writers and editors today.