Portraits of Artists: Warriors in the Novels of William Kennedy

In this fascinating study, Vivian Lynch examines the distinguished career of novelist William Kennedy, placing particular emphasis on the Irish and American themes in his work. She thoroughly analyzes each of Kennedy's novels and argues that each holds a meaningful place in a cycle that is based on the construction of creative, imaginative warriors. Her study specifically considers the classical and modern influences on Kennedy's work and addresses the ways in which it is related to the literature of James Joyce. In her effort to produce a definitive study of Kennedy's work, Lynch relies on a variety of sources, including critiques and published interviews as well as personal communication with the author himself.