John Dos Passos

the long version

This authorized biography of John Dos Passos is both important and highly engaging -- important because it provides a portrait-in-action of one of the ablest American writers of this century, searching critiques of all his works, and straightforward analyses of the complex political and social backgrounds out of which they grew; and engaging because of this shy, modest, friendly, endearing, and indefatigable man whose sterling character springs out of every page. - Carlos Baker, on back of jacket.