NBCC 35th Anniversary: Into the 21st century

by David Varno | Sep-12-2009

Next to speak were current and former board members from the ‘90s and the current decade. Below is just a tiny sampling; watch the blog in the coming days for detailed comments from the participants themselves.

Carlin Romano, after counting his blessings for the chance to write about European intellectuals for a daily newspaper (The Philadelphia Enquirer), remarked that the NBCC is as much fun today as it was 24 years ago.

Art Winslow noted that he was the last president to serve before email.

M. Mark, Editor of Pen America, quoted Borges, who insisted that everything he wrote, including book reviews, was fiction.  “When memory and imagination take hold, stories are created.  That’s fiction.”

Reamy Jansen mentiond the recent passing of Rochelle Ratner, who edited the American Book Review for many years, and noted the importance of the small book reviews.

Janice Harayda pointed out that there is always much focus on the awards, but the NBCC had two functions, and the other is that we are a watchdog, on ethics and other topics.  “I hope we remain a celebrant and a watchdog,” she said, in closing.

Kit Reed admitted that she started reviewing books not to get paid but so she could get the books.

Steve Wasserman remembered 1997 fiction award winner Penelope Fitzgerald’s introduction to The Blue Flower, quoting Novalis:
“Novels arise out of the shortcomings of history.”  Here, perhaps, he suggested, is hope for the current age.

Elizabeth Taylor remarked that she always remembers the books that lose.

David Kipen left us with two brief sentences: “Don’t be fooled.  Everybody is not a critic”

Eric Banks discussed the NBCC’s blog in the context of some of the issues raised on the digital climate, beginning by quoting John Leonard: “‘When the zeitgeist sneezes, we critics catch a cold.’  Now,” he said, “we reach for the keyboard and tweet.”  Still, he assured that the blog functions to serve members, and will remain a place for reflective content.

Steve Kellman commented that entering the National Book Critic’s Circle initially suggested something in Dante’s realm.  His first day on board began with a coup on the incumbent president.

Eric Miles Williamson noted that many of the small presses’ books covered by American Book Review, which he edits, are picked up by big houses the year after publication; a curious impasse in which small presses can function almost as agents.

Finally, Celia McGee’s Alternate History of the NBCC was filled with so many incredible, hard-to-believe anecdotes that it can only be given justice on video.  Stay tuned for clips from WNYC’s incredible coverage, to be posted here on Critical Mass.