Writing As Enlightenment

Buddhism has had an impact on American writers from the 19th century Transcendentalists to 20th century Beat writers and continues. In this third in a co-edited series, English scholars Whalen-Bridge (National U. of Singapore) and Storhoff (U. of Connecticut, Stamford) compile eight chapters that treat Buddhism's place in a postmodern culture. Following discussions of the dharma path's aesthetic dimension, authors examine Buddhism's aesthetic-cum-spiritual principles reflected in works by African American writers, e.g., Charles Johnson, Bell Hooks; poets Gary Snyder and Mac Low; and novelist Don DeLillo. Interviews with Buddhist writers including Snyder are featured. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

John Whalen-Bridge is Associate Professor of English at the National University of Singapore. His books include Norman Mailer’s Later Fictions: Ancient Evenings through Castle in the Forest.

Gary Storhoff is Associate Professor of English at the University of Connecticut, Stamford. He is the author of Understanding Charles Johnson. Together they are coeditors of The Emergence of Buddhist American Literature and American Buddhism as a Way of Life, both also published by SUNY Press.