William Morris wurde für seinen lyrischen Prosa-Stil und seine tiefgründigen Reflexionen über den amerikanischen Süden, insbesondere das Mississippi-Delta, gefeiert. Seine Schriften, die oft in der Landschaft Mississippis verwurzelt sind, fangen die einzigartige Atmosphäre und Kultur der Region ein. Morris vermittelte meisterhaft sowohl eine Nostalgie für die Vergangenheit als auch die Komplexität der südlichen Identität und etablierte sich so als bedeutende amerikanische literarische Stimme. Sein Werk zeichnet sich durch eine persönliche Empfindsamkeit und einen poetischen Stil aus, der den Leser in das Herz des Südens eintauchen lässt.
'Katzen sind keine Hunde und Spit McGee ist Spit McGee.' 'Ich habe ihm auf die Welt geholfen und ihm viermal das Leben gerettet. Im Orient gibt es ein Sprichwort, das besagt, dass man fortan für das Geschöpf verantwortlich ist, das man einmal vor dem Tod bewahrt hat. Ich würde sagen, dass ich heute und für alle Zeit sein Kammerdiener, Butler und Lakai bin und er sich im Gegenzug dazu herablässt, mir ein ständiger und treuer Kamerad zu sein.'
Skip ist viel mehr als ein bellender Vierbeiner: er kann Baseball und Football spielen, Freunde necken, Auto fahren, man kann ihn zum Zeitung holen schicken oder auch zum Metzger. Die ganze Stadt kennt und liebt den Hund und nimmt Anteil an den Abenteuern dieser beiden Strolche, die unzertrennlich sind: der Junge Willie und sein kluger Hund. Skip versteht aber nicht nur etwas von Ballspielen oder der Eichhörnchenjagd - er verliebt sich auch in das gleiche Mädchen wie sein Herrchen... Mit einem Wort: er ist der beste Hund der Welt.§Willie Morris beschreibt in seinem anrührenden Buch, welche Abenteuer die beiden in den vierziger Jahren am Mississippi erlebten. Mark Twain läßt grüßen!
Set in the Deep South in 1951, this novella captures the intensity of a high school football game between a small-town team and the formidable Central High Tigers. Alongside the gripping sports narrative, the book features six autobiographical essays that reflect on the essence of a Great American boyhood, enriched by 28 illustrations from high school yearbooks. The blend of sports and personal history offers a nostalgic glimpse into the culture and experiences of that era.
Exploring themes of identity and belonging, this collection of autobiographical essays recounts Morris's journey back to Mississippi after years in New York City and Long Island. Through personal reflections, he navigates the contrasts between his two homes, culminating in the final essay, "Coming On Back," which details his experience as a writer in residence at the University of Mississippi in 1980. The essays offer a poignant look at the impact of place on self-discovery and creativity.
The final work from one of America's most beloved authors and an instant classic, TAPS takes readers on one last fictional journey to Willie Morris's South and spins a tender, powerful, very American story about the vanishing beauty of a charmed way of life and the fleeting boyhood of a young man coming of age in a time of war. In Fisk’s Landing, Mississippi, at the dawn of the Korean War, sixteen-year-old Swayze Barksdale is suddenly called to an unexpected duty - playing "Taps" at the gravesides of the town’s young casualties sent home from the front. Gradually, Swayze begins to pace his life around these all too frequent funerals, where his horn sounds the tragic note of the times. At turns funny, at turns poignant, TAPS abounds with colorful characters and yet "sings and sighs . . . with a kind of minor key wistfulness" (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) as Swayze learns what it means to be a patriot, a son, a lover, a friend, a man.
The book has been adapted into a major motion picture featuring a star-studded cast, including Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. It explores themes of friendship and loyalty, centering around the bond between a boy and his dog, Skip. The story captures the essence of growing up and the impact of companionship, making it a heartfelt tale that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film adaptation is produced by Mark Johnson, known for his work on Rain Man, adding to the anticipation surrounding this beloved narrative.
The narrative unfolds as Willie Morris, a devoted dog lover, navigates his unexpected relationship with Spit McGee, a spirited kitten that challenges his long-held fears of cats. Through humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, Morris shares his journey of transformation after marrying a cat enthusiast, ultimately highlighting the bond that can form between a dog man and a cat. The story captures the joy and surprises of embracing the unfamiliar, showcasing the unique personality of Spit McGee and the warmth of their evolving friendship.
Exploring the unique cultural identity of Mississippi, the author reflects on the state's artistic and athletic contributions, attributing them to a blend of memory and the influence of sour-mash bourbon. The narrative delves into the complexities of Mississippi's character, acknowledging its flaws while celebrating its distinctive qualities. Through personal anecdotes and observations, the book offers a deep appreciation for the state's heritage and its impact on creativity and sportsmanship.
In the course of his career Willie Morris (1934-1999) attained prominence as a journalist, editor, nonfiction writer, novelist, memoirist, and news commentator. As this eloquent book reveals, he was also a master essayist whose gift was in crafting short compositions. The diverse works included in this anthology reflect the scope of Morris's wide-ranging interests.