In this unique collection, thirty-six writers and critics look back at Barth's career, providing a deeper understanding of his books as well as privileged glimpses into the man behind the books.

For the past half-century, John Barth has been recognized as our quintessential postmodernist and praised as one of the best writers ¿we have ever had¿ (New York Times Book Review). In this unique collection, thirty-six writers and critics look back at Barth¿s career, providing a deeper understanding of his books as well as privileged glimpses into the man behind the books. Like Barth¿s sixth work of fiction, John Barth: A Body of Words is a bit of a chimera: a tripartite hybrid of tributes and reminiscences from friends, colleagues, fellow writers, and former students; a sheaf of cutting-edge scholarly essays; and a triadic conclusion comprising a description of the Sheridan Libraries Barth Collection, a rare recording of a 1966 public reading by Barth, and a two-part radio interview with him. At once a Festschrift, an assemblage of academic essays written to honor a colleague, and a liber amicorum, a book of friends, and illustrated with photos from Barth¿s life and career, this volume provides Barth's critics, students, and fans with an essential vade mecum to his life and works.