Mark McGurl

Mark McGurl is a literary scholar known for his work on the history and sociology of American literature. He is particularly recognized for his analysis of the relationship between creative writing programs and the development of postwar American fiction.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Everything And Less

    The Novel in the Age of Amazon

    In this insightful exploration of the digital age's impact on literature, the author delves into the transformative role of Amazon in reshaping the literary landscape. The narrative examines how the platform's algorithms, self-publishing opportunities, and consumer-driven focus have democratized the publishing industry, allowing a diverse array of voices to emerge while simultaneously challenging traditional notions of literary value and authorship. Through a blend of cultural criticism and keen analysis, the book offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology, commerce, and creativity in the modern world.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  2. 2. The Program Era

    Postwar Fiction and the Rise of Creative Writing

    A study of how the rise of university creative writing programs since World War II has fundamentally reshaped American fiction. It traces how workshops, institutional logics, and prestige economies influenced styles, identities, and themes—from minimalism to maximalism and multiculturalism to autofiction—creating a paradox of standardized originality. Through readings of major postwar writers, it maps the mutually reinforcing relationship between higher education and literary production.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org