iers Anthony is one ogre who won't back down from a fight. That's a fact backed up by the Xanth creator's first autobiography, Bio of an Ogre, and reinforced by his second, How Precious Was That While.
The first book covered Anthony's first 50 years as a fantasy writer; the second details the last 15. It is divided into 16 chapters, organized thematically, rather than chronologically, although there is some overlap. The early chapters cover similar ground to his
first autobiography, from the time he spent with his Quaker parents in Spain during its civil war, to his family's immigration to America from Britain, to his struggle with learning disabilities. He describes a life that many American geeks will recognize, complete with rampaging bullies, divorcing parents and dismal educational experiences.
The middle chapters detail Anthony's fierce battles and complicated maneuvering among the pantheon of science-fiction publishers. He rails against the stupidity and ineptitude of the publishing industry, talks about his many collaborations and spends a good deal of time discussing the effect that fans have had on his life's work. Later chapters take on a hodgepodge of subjects, from Hi Piers--a company he founded to support his publishing efforts--to pets he's owned, to his thoughts on living the good life.
The premiere punster gets personal
Reading Piers Anthony's How Precious Was That While is like sitting down with a favorite uncle, one who's fiercely opinionated, full of great stories and prone to sharing embarrassing tales from his youth.
His opinions come fast and furious as he slams the publishing industry, not just for the cruel edits most writers lament, but for its formulaic business approach. In a style that's reader-friendly and unapologetically blunt, he cites numerous examples where a publisher's refusal to follow common sense rather than off-kilter spreadsheets cost it revenue and recognition.
Anthony's stories of his private writing world and the larger publishing universe are gold mines for prospective writers, most of whom would probably drool at the thought of having the problems he describes. His writing advice is excellent, and it's hard not to smile as he discusses his migration from the typewriter to the computer. Particularly interesting are some of Anthony's lesser-known collaborations, such as one novel he wrote with a dead man: the original author passed away, his family asked Anthony to complete it, and he accepted.
One of the book's most emotional chapters, for both reader and writer, is "The Early Party of Dying." Anthony has received countless thousands of letters from fans over the years, some of whom have been emotionally (sometimes dangerously) disturbed. These individuals, some on the verge of suicide, connected to Anthony through his work and sent him outpourings of emotion through poetry. The poems are reprinted in this chapter alongside Anthony's own commentary, and they make for a gut-wrenching and sometimes haunting read.
Like that favorite uncle, Anthony tends to return to certain points again and again, such as his trauma over losing his much-loved nanny or the barbaric removal of his sister's tonsils. It's as though he is reverting to his old teaching days and is trying to drive home facts that his students memorized long ago. Stories about his early sexual experiences may make for a few uncomfortable page-turnings, but they do shed light on his writing.
Fans will enjoy this book and ignore Anthony's idiosyncrasies, while less enthusiastic readers may not find his storytelling nearly as compelling. Both will find there's plenty to learn from this particular ogre.
