Collected Essays and Short Stories

by H.L. Davis

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0893011096
• ISBN13: 9780893011093
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: University of Idaho Press
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A rarely read gem is hidden here.

Most of this book is interesting mostly to literary historians or really-dedicated Oregonians. Mr. Davis was a character in his own right, but for most I don't recommend his essays and imaginative, fact-bending "non-fiction" portrayals of Oregon. However, buy the book for three pieces of short fiction, one of which is perhaps my favorite short story of all, beating out some pretty stout competition from Albert Camus and James Joyce. The third best story is "Open Winter", a richly-described opportunity to experience youth and mentoring through the lens of a just-beginning sheep-driver in the early 1900's. It's mildly profound but sweet reading. The second best story is "Old Man Isbell's Wife". It's a humorous ode to the passing of the old west and the old-timers that peopled it. It works at the superficial level of humorous satire, at a slightly deeper level of social satire, and is best at extolling some values of genuineness, compassion, and vigorous living. The real gem is "The Homestead Orchard." This beautifully crafted masterpiece is, in my opinion, the best work to come from this Pulitzer-prizewinning writer. It is at once hilarious, beautiful, exciting, and stunningly profound. I get misty-eyed every time I reread it. The final three-line paragraph clicks home oh so softly and simply. Why, oh why did he only write three short stories? "The Kettle of Fire", while fictional, isn't really a short story but an original "legend". It's okay, but disappointing after some of the rest. Davis fans will find his traits demonstrated: long sentences, rich descriptions of nature--both the beautiful and the blighted, minor characters that are humorous caricatures, and rich descriptions of place and history. This is a little-known and under-appreciated author whose works are not of even quality. Following is my list of his works that I've read, in order of my esteem from highest to lowest. 1. The Homestead Orchard--Humorous, sad, joyous, beautifully crafted short story about a father and son. 2. Winds Of Morning--novel of a junior-grade lawman 3. Old Man Isbell's Wife--Humorous short story 4. The Distant Music--reminiscent, a little, of East of Eden 5. Open Winter--sheepherding story 6. Beulah Land--epic novel of pioneers 7. All of Davis's essays 8. The Kettle of Fire--a fictional legend 9. Honey in the Horn--spare yourself! Overlong, random, Pulitzer-prize winning, historically inaccurate, pointless