Peter Taylor
Peter Taylor was an American author known for his short stories and novels that often depicted life in the American South. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1987 for his novel 'A Summons to Memphis'.
Books
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.
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1. The Old Forest
"The Old Forest" is a collection of short stories set in the American South, primarily in Memphis, Tennessee during the early to mid-20th century. The stories explore themes of social change, class conflict, and personal identity. The title story revolves around a car accident that leads to a young woman's disappearance and the subsequent search for her, revealing the societal tensions and class divisions within the community.
The 2306th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. A Summons to Memphis
This novel tells the story of a New York editor who is called back to his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, by his two manipulative older sisters to help them prevent their elderly father from remarrying. As he becomes embroiled in their family drama, he reflects on his upbringing in the South, his father's tyrannical rule over the family, and the impact it had on his life. The narrative explores themes of family, memory, and the passage of time.
The 2346th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Collected Stories of Peter Taylor
A Library of America Special Publication
The "Collected Stories of Peter Taylor" is a compilation of narratives that explore the nuances of Southern life, specifically focusing on the middle and upper-middle classes. The stories delve into the complexities of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the changing cultural landscape of the South during the 20th century. The author's keen observations and rich character development provide a vivid and insightful view into the human condition and the intricacies of Southern life.
The 14457th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. In The Tennessee Country
Set against the backdrop of the Southern United States, this novel delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, memory, and the passage of time. Through the eyes of a narrator reflecting on his past, the story unfolds with a rich tapestry of characters and events that explore themes of identity, loss, and the enduring impact of one's roots. The narrative weaves together personal recollections and historical context, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era while examining the universal quest for understanding and belonging.
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6. Provos
The IRA and Sinn Féin
A clear, tightly written history that traces the rise, organization and operations of the Provisional IRA—from its roots in the late 1960s and the early campaigns of the Troubles through internecine debates, hunger strikes and high-profile attacks—while explaining how its military methods and political strategy became intertwined with Sinn Féin and responded to British security policy; based on interviews, reportage and documentary evidence, the account explores leadership, internal tensions, tactics, and the movement’s gradual shift toward electoral politics and ceasefire negotiations.