Robert Atwan

Robert Atwan. An American writer, editor, and anthologist, he is best known as the founder and series editor of the influential The Best American Essays annual anthology. His career has been dedicated to the study, curation, and promotion of the essay as a literary form, influencing generations of readers and writers. Through his editorial work, critical writing, and teaching, Atwan has established himself as a central figure in contemporary American nonfiction.

Biography

Born in 1940, Robert Atwan grew up in New Jersey and pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed an early interest in literature and rhetoric. He later earned a master's degree from Columbia University, further honing his analytical skills. His academic background provided a strong foundation for his later work in literary criticism and anthology editing. Throughout his career, he has maintained a focus on the art of prose, contributing significantly to the literary community from his base in the Northeastern United States.

Career

Atwan's professional career is multifaceted, encompassing editing, writing, and teaching. He has served as a visiting lecturer at various institutions, including Drew University, where he has taught courses on the essay and nonfiction writing. His editorial vision extends beyond his signature series, as he has frequently contributed literary criticism to publications like The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. He has also worked as a consultant for major educational publishers, helping to shape textbooks and anthologies used in classrooms across North America. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to elevating the standards of literary nonfiction.

The Best American Essays series

In 1986, Robert Atwan conceived and launched The Best American Essays for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, establishing a prestigious annual tradition. Each volume features a selection of the year's finest essays, curated by Atwan and a distinguished guest editor from the literary world, such as Susan Sontag, Joyce Carol Oates, or Rebecca Solnit. The series has become an essential barometer of trends in nonfiction, showcasing work from a wide range of publications including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Harper's Magazine. Atwan's insightful forewords to each edition are highly regarded for their scholarly analysis of the essay form's evolution and cultural significance.

Other works and contributions

Beyond the celebrated series, Atwan has authored and edited several notable works. He co-authored ' with Donald McQuade, a widely used college textbook. He also edited ', a critical anthology examining the tradition of the American essay. His essays and reviews have appeared in numerous periodicals and collections, contributing to discourse on writers like E.B. White and James Baldwin. Furthermore, Atwan has served on the editorial boards of literary journals and has been a judge for prestigious awards like the Pushcart Prize, consistently advocating for excellence in short prose.

Awards and recognition

For his contributions to literature and publishing, Robert Atwan has received significant acclaim. He has been honored with awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Christopher Awards, recognizing the cultural impact of his editorial work. The The Best American Essays series itself is frequently cited as a benchmark in the field and has won a dedicated readership among scholars, writers, and general audiences. Atwan's influence is cemented by the enduring success of the series and his respected voice in the analysis of nonfiction.

Category:American editors Category:American anthologists Category:1940 births