Modern American Memoirs

"[In] this anthology of well-chosen excerpts by a satisfyingly diverse group of writers....the truth of their lives shines from every beautifully, often courageously composed page."— Booklist

“Packed with superb writing.” — New York Newsday

Modern American Memoirs is a sampling from 35 quintessential 20th century memoirs, including contributions from Margaret Mead, Malcolm X, Maxine Hong Kingston, Loren Eisely, and Zora Neale Hurston. Supremely written and excellent examples of the art of biography, these excerpts present a beautifully wide range of American life.

Selected and edited by Annie Dillard and Cort Conley, this essential collection offers a masterclass in the art of storytelling:
Classic Memoirs: Read excerpts from thirty-five of the 20th century’s most important autobiographies, featuring luminaries like Henry Adams, Hamlin Garland, and Wallace Stegner.Powerful American Voices: Experience pivotal moments in history through the eyes of icons like Malcolm X, Richard Wright, Anne Moody, and Zora Neale Hurston.The Art of the Memoir: Discover the craft of narrative nonfiction in an introduction by Annie Dillard that explores what makes a personal story true and unforgettable.A Nation of Stories: Journey from the plains of the American West and the immigrant experience of the Bronx to the rural South in this panoramic view of American life.