A first-class book, a landmark of sorts. Cather emerges as what she really is, a person of great literary accomplishment, a true cultural beacon. --RWB Lewis "She is…a marvelous, canny writer."Terry Castle, London Review of Books "Acocella's book shines with exemplary good sense. She is a sure witted judge of books." A.S. Byatt, The New York Review of Books "As a study of the politics of literary reputation [this book] is exceptional; as a serene appreciation of a great writer's life and work, it is poetic; as a reminder to critics of a the function of criticism, it is harrowing.

This book needs to be read." --Robert Thacker, American Literature "This devastatingly concise book isn't going to win its fearless author any prizes - she marches through the ranks of Cather scholars the way Sherman marched through Georgia - but anyone who has had it up to here with political correctness should buy a copy . and get ready to cheer" - Terry Teachout, National Review.