The Passionate Years (Neglected Books of the 20th Century)

Rating:
Summary: Important book, but take it with a grain of salt.
Review: This book, being an autobiography, is really a mirror of Caresse Crosby: far from objective, not entirely trustworthy, and self-important. Yet, it remains an important work for studying American literature in the 20th century, particularly if one is interested in expatriate Paris. The book spans from Caresse's childhood, through her marriages (including - especially - Harry Crosby), noteworthy tales of her "partners in crime" (Kay Boyle, Salvador Dali, etc.), and her work (as a book publisher, most particularly). After reading the book, one feels that Caresse is someone you can understand and anticipate, even if one cannot completely trust her.

In terms of content, the stories are all probably at least partially true. There is the story of how Caresse invented the brazziere. There is the story of how she introduced Dali to the U.S. There is her account of how she attempted to introduce the concept of paperbooks via Crosby Continental Editions. Having been through the Crosby collections at Morris Library, Southern Illinois University, I can say that there is some truth to these stories. Yet, I never felt that I could completely trust Crosby's accounts, even if she has an amazing power to lull the reader (and quite a few of her acquaintences) into some sense of attachment.

However, the basic history here is worthwhile. That is, even if it cannot be completely trusted, the residue of truth contained sheds new light on her wide group of influential friends. Moreover, there is a Hemingway-esque braggadocio in her writing - she is a fine author. If one takes her autobiography as a work of literature similar to Kay Boyle's thinly veiled autobiographical fiction (My Next Bride, etc.), then Crosby compares nicely. In fact, if viewed through the framework of fiction, one can easily extract the relevant history without being put off by Crosby's self-promotion.

Overall, I recommend the book as either an introduction to the minor figures of 20th century expatriate Paris or as a work to round out a research library. I would also consider the work as worthwhile general reading: Crosby is an interesting writer, and her (and Harry's) exploits should never disappoint.