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Marian Filar Memoir: A Window into Willie Morris' Life and Legacy

Camden Mitchell

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Published in From Buchenwald To Carnegie Hall: Marian Filar A Memoir (Willie Morris In Memoir And Biography)

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Marian Filar's memoir, "Willie Morris: An Intimate Portrait," is a deeply personal and moving account of her time with Willie Morris, the renowned Southern writer and editor. Filar, a former editor at Harper's Magazine, was close friends with Morris for over 20 years, and her memoir provides valuable insights into the life and work of this literary giant.

Early Life and Career

Willie Morris was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1934. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he edited the school's literary magazine, "The Texas Ranger." After graduating, Morris worked as a reporter for the Dallas Times Herald and the New York Herald Tribune.

From Buchenwald to Carnegie Hall: Marian Filar A Memoir (Willie Morris in Memoir and Biography)

From Buchenwald to Carnegie Hall: Marian Filar - A Memoir (Willie Morris Books in Memoir and Biography)

by Marian Filar

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1966 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In 1963, Morris was appointed editor of Harper's Magazine. He was just 29 years old, making him the youngest editor in the magazine's history. Under Morris's leadership, Harper's became one of the most influential literary magazines in the country. Morris published the work of some of the most important writers of the era, including James Baldwin, Norman Mailer, and Joan Didion.

Friendship with Marian Filar

Marian Filar met Willie Morris in 1971, when she was a young editor at Harper's. They quickly became friends, and their friendship lasted for over 20 years. Filar was a constant source of support for Morris, both personally and professionally.

In her memoir, Filar describes Morris as a brilliant writer and editor, but also as a complex and troubled man. Morris struggled with alcoholism and depression, and his personal life was often chaotic. Filar was there for Morris through his darkest times, and she provides a unique perspective on his life and work.

Literary Legacy

Willie Morris died in 1999 at the age of 64. He left behind a legacy of powerful and moving writing. Morris's work is characterized by its honesty, its lyricism, and its deep sense of place.

In her memoir, Filar discusses Morris's major works, including his novels "North Toward Home" and "The Home Place," and his memoir "My Dog Skip." Filar also explores Morris's love of the South and his commitment to social justice.

Marian Filar's memoir is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Willie Morris and his work. Filar provides a deeply personal and moving account of Morris's life and legacy. Her memoir is a must-read for fans of Southern literature and for anyone interested in the life of a literary giant.