Interview with John Ervin, January 25, 1978

Partial Transcript: --Northern charm and Southern efficiency.

Segment Synopsis: The notion of Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland as Southern states is explored. Ervin discusses how he became acquainted with Warren's writing throughout the years, beginning in college. Warren's professorial tenure at the University of Minnesota is compared to the experience of Ervin while working there as a publisher. Warren's role in the publication of an American Writers Series in Minnesota is also mentioned. Pieces that Warren wrote for the series are examined as well.

Keywords: Advisers; All the King's Men (Book); Editors; English departments; John Greenleaf Whittier; Kentucky; Maryland; Ohio; Publishers; Robert Penn Warren; The University of Minnesota; The University of Minnesota Press; Theodore Dreiser; Understanding Poetry (Book); Yale University

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Education; Friendship; Professors

Partial Transcript: What came of the, um, Dreiser?

Segment Synopsis: Ervin discusses Warren's contribution to the American Writers Series at the University of Minnesota. The reasoning behind Warren changing his subject matter for the piece from Dreiser to Greenleaf is touched on. Warren's praise of the Minnesotan editors is emphasized. Next, Ervin recalls the disposition of a fellow co-worker during the project. The reception and background of the series is also considered.

Keywords: Compliments; Editors; John Greenleaf Whittier; Letters; Manuscripts; Promotions; Publishers; Random House; Reputations; Robert Penn Warren; The University of Minnesota; The University of Minnesota Press; Theodore Dreiser

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Education; Friendship

Partial Transcript: Is there any parallel possible here between Whittier and, and Warren himself?

Segment Synopsis: Poet J.G. Whittier is compared to Warren through the analysis of Ervin. Numerous similarities are found between the two writers, despite their contrasting styles. Ervin also speculates upon Warren's interest in Whittier's poetry and the subsequent writing on him. The success of Warren's piece on Whittier in literary circles is also mentioned. Ervin and the other publishers' attempts at drawing mainstream attention towards the book are described as well.

Keywords: Books; Critical thinking; Critics; Intellectuals; John Greenleaf Whittier; Morals; Print; Publications; Robert Penn Warren; The Today Show; Virtues

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Friendship; Poetry

Partial Transcript: Uh, if, you'd like, uh, uh, uh, because it was the one extended, uh, personal visit I had with him, I can remark...

Segment Synopsis: Ervin relays the circumstances under which he traveled to Connecticut to conduct business with Warren on his book's publication and an upcoming TV appearance. The conversations they had at that time are briefly mentioned. Correspondences between the two are recalled. The hypothetical publishing of Warren's letters is discussed. Finally, Ervin tells the reasons why Warren did not want his letters to be published.

Keywords: Allen Tate; Editors; Handwriting; Letters; Modesty; New Haven (Conn.); Publications; Robert Penn Warren; The Today Show; Typing; Yale Club of New Haven; Yale University

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Friendship; Life

Partial Transcript: Um, I know, uh, from talking with others who have known Warren that, um, he seems to have been, though I have no direct knowledge of this...

Segment Synopsis: Ervin gives his self-proclaimed, indirect accounts of Warren's interest in children. The personality of Warren is also briefly described. Warren's own children and instances of their lives are discussed as well. Warren's outstanding character in comparison to other writers is highlighted.

Keywords: Authors; Children; Daughters; French Alps; Humble; Kind; Modest; Personality; Robert Penn Warren; Skiing; Sons; Vermont

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Friendship; Life; Travel

Partial Transcript: How about the production of the book itself?

Segment Synopsis: Warren's role in the editing of his Whittier piece is chronicled. It is found that Warren gave input only on revising the poetry itself, not the aesthetic elements of the piece. The harmonious nature that existed between Warren and the editors is explored. Warren's level of interest in the book's commercial success is also mentioned.

Keywords: Criticism; Critics; Discussions; Editors; John Greenleaf Whittier; Mainstream; Press; Productions; Publishers; Reviews; Robert Penn Warren; Suggestions; The University of Minnesota; Verse poetry

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Friendship; Poetry

Partial Transcript: How about the Today interview?

Segment Synopsis: Ervin reiterates secondhand accounts of Warren's appearance on the Today Show. The recent programming of the Today Show is described. Ervin's affinities for author John Updike and reading in general are mentioned. Updike is compared to Warren in both their stylistic and personal tendencies.

Keywords: Bech: A Book (Book); Comparisons; Gene Shalit; History; Interviews; John Greenleaf Whittier; John Updike; Print; Robert Penn Warren; TV; The Today Show; Viewers

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Friendship; Novels; Poetry

Partial Transcript: Uh, you mentioned, uh, Tate.

Segment Synopsis: Ervin recounts his experiences with Allen Tate through the years, including when the two worked at the University of Minnesota. A publication of Tate's writing that the former colleagues worked on together is also mentioned. Tate's views on critics, as well as his contributions to the University of Minnesota-published American Writers Series are given. Tate's personal life is alluded to, including where he currently resides (at the time of the interview). Leonard Unger's knowledge of Tate and Warren is revealed, along with the pieces he wrote for the series.

Keywords: Allen Tate; American poets; Authors; Colleagues; Collections; Critics; Editors; English departments; Introductions; Leonard Unger; Nashville (Tenn.); Publishers; Robert Penn Warren; Socializing; The University of Minnesota

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Education; Friendship; Health; Poetry

Partial Transcript: Now I should pause for a moment David.

Segment Synopsis: Ervin tells of Allen Tate's personal life, including his treatment of young writers. An instance from Tate's background reveals why the decision to mentor aspiring writers was made. Tate's reaction to criticism of his writing is explored. The family and health of Tate are discussed as well. A lecture Tate gave in a return to Minnesota is also mentioned. Several of Tate's novels and their most recent publications are examined in detail. Lastly, Ervin tells of how often Warren became the topic of conversation when he would visit Tate.

Keywords: Allen Tate; Caroline Gordon; Children; Consciousness; Critics; Generous; Influential; Isabella Gardner; Joseph Warren Beach; Lectures; Maddox Ford; Mentors; Productive; Publications; Robert Penn Warren; The University of Minnesota; Wives; Writers; Young writers

Subjects: American literature--20th century; Education; Friendship; Health; Life; Novels; Poetry