During the heyday of American letters in the early 1960s, a time when modernist writers such as Hemingway and Faulkner were still revered as giants of literature, Donald Barthelme broke with tradition and arguably became the father of the American postmodern movement. This is the first major biography of this important figure. It is a beguiling, sumptuous, and intimate portrait of an American master.

A New York Times Notable Book.

“A page-turner . . . An amazing and rare accomplishment.”
—Lorrie Moore, The New York Review of Books.

“Creates a convincing narrative out of a life that was deeply engaged, passionate, and maybe even fulfilled.”
—Colm Toibin, front page, The New York Times Book Review

“Lucky Daugherty to get Barthelme, but also lucky Barthelme to get Daugherty, and lucky all of us to get this great, loving book.”
—Jonathan Lethem

“A richly-detailed portrait of the artist at all stages of his too-short life.”
—John Barth

“Barthelme is among the most original and moving writers who ever existed. This book is an amazing account of what a life in writing really is. In fact, it’s what living a life really is. How often do you read a book and think you’ve found out about that?”
—Ann Beattie