The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present

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(5 stars) - Essays
As a new writer interested in writing personal essays, Philip Lopate's collection is essential for understanding the history of essays and how essays have evolved to date.

(5 stars) - Well worth it
My favorite essay in this thick, heavy, door-stopping book is a humble writing of G.K. Chesterton entitled "A Piece of Chalk". I absolutely adore drawing with chalk and so of course I felt connected to him right off the bat. It was actually the first time I'd ever read Chesterton before, and I instantly fell in love. There is something in his writing that resonates with something inside me... in other words, it feels good. This anthology also includes other masters, both classic and modern such as Didion, Seneca, among many, many others. Despite the size, it's very easy to read through and find your own favorites thanks to the table that sorts the essays by theme.

(4 stars) - The Art of the Personal Essay...
Using this book as a reference for a class in writing the personal essay. It is very comprehensive and the essays are interesting and helpful.

(5 stars) - Essential!
I recently attended a lecture by Philip Lopate. It was informative, instructional, and entertaining. I can say the same about this anthology. Anyone interested in the personal essay--readers, and especially writers--will find this collection a gold mine. I highly recommend it.

(3 stars) - A little disappointing
I should have researched this book more--I thought it was about writing, but it is actually a compilation of essays.

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