Reviews
Legendary editor Terry McDonell writes beautifully on the subject of what he s learned about writing, and life, from some of the best, most colorful and most difficult writers of his generation. Those of us who worked with him would tend to agree he taught us a thing or two; although he s still wrong about semicolons. Jay McInerney Terry McDonell has long been one of the pre-eminent editors in the world of popular magazines, but here he is the ring-master for a world of literary masters, irresistible eccentrics, big ego owners and gotcha newsstand covers. Step right up and into a world we seldom see from the inside out. Tom Brokaw McDonell has led the beau ideal of the editor s life. And he s got it down on paper. In both cases, he has done it better than anyone anywhere. Graydon Carter, Editor, Vanity Fair In his many far-roaming years as an editor, Terry McDonell has worked with some of America s most gifted and gonzo writers. From George Plimpton to Ed Abbey to Hunter S. Thompson, they all make raucous appearances in this terrific, free-wheeling memoir. It s a must-read for anybody who is curious about the wild and talented characters who shaped the literature of our times. Carl Hiaasen Great editors are the rarest of literaryand journalistic jewels: if a writer or reporter is lucky enough to find one, a magical collaboration and inviolate friendship take form.Terry McDonellhasconjured as much magic as any magazine editor of his time, at great magazines and with great writers, from Peter Matthiessen to Hunter Thompson. This editor s notes are both a wonderful primer and tell a remarkable tale. Carl Bernstein Every time I run into Terry McDonell, I think how great it would be to have dinner with him. Hear about the writers he's known and edited over the years, what the magazine business was like back then, how it's changed and where it's going, inside info about Edward Abbey, Jim Harrison, Annie Proulx, old New York, and the Swimsuit issue. That dinner is this book. Jeffrey Eugenides Legendary editor McDonell's account of dealings with great writers is catnip for anyone in the magazine business. Publishing gossip of the highest order from an unimpeachable source. It made me drunk and giddy to have such access. WhileI wasreading The Accidental Life, I panicked wheneverI couldn't lay my hands on it. Mary Norris, author of Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen A brilliant, behind-the-scenes account of some of the best storytellers of the last three decades, written by their editor who also knew them as friends. Terry McDonell writes with swagger, a poetic sense of wonder, and a gorgeously hungover soul. Bill Buford Funny, wise and down to earth, Terry McDonell has lived brilliantly in letters, always in the world but never far from the page. The Accidental Life is a glorious book, an affectionate and knowing tour of contemporary literature and journalism, full of essential insight into editing, writing, and living on one s own terms. Steve Coll, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, and author of Ghost Wars There is credit claimed for choices made and chances taken, but not a hint of self-congratulation.There are accounts of evenings spent with well-known people (with many of them laid to rest), but no name-dropping. The Accidental Life is a detailed and plain-spoken book about work. Greil Marcus I worked for Terry McDonell for six years, a wild ride that felt a lot like reading this book inspiring, intoxicating, and just a little dangerous. If The Accidental Life doesn t make you want to be an editor, nothing will. Sid Evans, Editor in Chief, Southern Living Terry McDonell is a rare example of a fine editor who is also an excellent writer. What he does in The Accidental Life is connect us to brilliant people, known not only for what they write but for how they lived their lives. He does this with heart, in a sometimes heartless profession. And he loves what he does. Gay Talese Terry McDonell is a brilliant editor and a dangerous thinker which is the same thing. It s all there in The Accidental Life. Susan Casey, author of The Wave and The Devil s Teeth It reads like A Moveable Feast for the second half of the twentieth century, unfolding from L.A. to Manhattan, Montana to Aspen. All the bad boys are at large: Hunter, McGuane, Buffett, Jann, Plimpton. Yes, a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll went down.ButMcDonellalways brings it back to the writers and the writing which, by the way, he does as well as any of them. John Huey, former Editor in Chief, Time Inc. Somehow, Terry McDonell has managed to pour his rich and singular career into a book equally rich, equally singular, and always a pleasure. I enjoyed it greatly. Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, and first Public Editor of The New York Times Terry McDonell's masterpiece is the book of the year for those who revere literary memoirs. Who knew the editor's editor was also a brilliant writer? His zesty portraits of wild men and mandarins of Hunter Thompson, Jim Harrison and George Plimpton, and a host of the good, the bad and the beautiful give luminous life to the magazine world's epic era. Shelby Coffey, Vice Chairman, Newseum Terry McDonell is a perfect storm: He knows every great non-fiction writer of the latter half of the 20th century and, luckily for us, writes about them with such wit and aplomb. I learned a lot about these folks, but even more about what makes great writing and great editing, from a master at both. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves to read about writers and writing. Josh Quittner, Editorial Director, Flipboard The Accidental Life is a brilliant piece of work, written in a very clear and compelling style, imaginatively structured, with a wonderful sense of humor. Any writer or editor (or anyone interested in writing and reading) will find McDonell s book not only a must read but also an extremely entertaining and informative one. Don Carleton, Executive Director and J. R. Parten Chair in the Archives of American History, University of Texas at Austin
Terry McDonell has long been one of the pre-eminent editors in the world of popular magazines, but here he is the ring-master for a world of literary masters, irresistible eccentrics, big ego owners and gotcha newsstand covers. Step right up and into a world we seldom see from the inside out. Tom Brokaw McDonell has led the beau ideal of the editor s life. And he s got it down on paper. In both cases, he has done it better than anyone anywhere. Graydon Carter, Editor, Vanity Fair Legendary editor Terry McDonell writes beautifully on the subject of what he s learned about writing, and life, from some of the best, most colorful and most difficult writers of his generation. Those of us who worked with him would tend to agree he taught us a thing or two; although he s still wrong about semicolons. Jay McInerney In his many far-roaming years as an editor, Terry McDonell has worked with some of America s most gifted and gonzo writers. From George Plimpton to Ed Abbey to Hunter S. Thompson, they all make raucous appearances in this terrific, free-wheeling memoir. It s a must-read for anybody who is curious about the wild and talented characters who shaped the literature of our times. Carl Hiaasen Great editors are the rarest of literaryand journalistic jewels: if a writer or reporter is lucky enough to find one, a magical collaboration and inviolate friendship take form.Terry McDonellhasconjured as much magic as any magazine editor of his time, at great magazines and with great writers, from Peter Matthiessen to Hunter Thompson. This editor s notes are both a wonderful primer and tell a remarkable tale. Carl Bernstein Every time I run into Terry McDonell, I think how great it would be to have dinner with him. Hear about the writers he's known and edited over the years, what the magazine business was like back then, how it's changed and where it's going, inside info about Edward Abbey, Jim Harrison, Annie Proulx, old New York, and the Swimsuit issue. That dinner is this book. Jeffrey Eugenides Terry McDonell knew the wildest writers, edited most of them, and he remembers. A great read. Roy Blount, Jr. Legendary editor McDonell's account of dealings with great writers is catnip for anyone in the magazine business. Publishing gossip of the highest order from an unimpeachable source. It made me drunk and giddy to have such access. WhileI wasreading The Accidental Life, I panicked wheneverI couldn't lay my hands on it. Mary Norris, author of Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen Terry McDonell is a brilliant editor and a dangerous thinker which is the same thing. It s all there in The Accidental Life. Susan Casey, author of The Wave and The Devil s Teeth A brilliant, behind-the-scenes account of some of the best storytellers of the last three decades, written by their editor who also knew them as friends. Terry McDonell writes with swagger, a poetic sense of wonder, and a gorgeously hungover soul. Bill Buford Funny, wise and down to earth, Terry McDonell has lived brilliantly in letters, always in the world but never far from the page. The Accidental Life is a glorious book, an affectionate and knowing tour of contemporary literature and journalism, full of essential insight into editing, writing, and living on one s own terms. Steve Coll, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, and author of Ghost Wars There is credit claimed for choices made and chances taken, but not a hint of self-congratulation.There are accounts of evenings spent with well-known people (with many of them laid to rest), but no name-dropping. The Accidental Life is a detailed and plain-spoken book about work. Greil Marcus I worked for Terry McDonell for six years, a wild ride that felt a lot like reading this book inspiring, intoxicating, and just a little dangerous. If The Accidental Life doesn t make you want to be an editor, nothing will. Sid Evans, Editor in Chief, Southern Living Terry McDonell is a rare example of a fine editor who is also an excellent writer. What he does in The Accidental Life is connect us to brilliant people, known not only for what they write but for how they lived their lives. He does this with heart, in a sometimes heartless profession. And he loves what he does. Gay Talese It reads like A Moveable Feast for the second half of the twentieth century, unfolding from L.A. to Manhattan, Montana to Aspen. All the bad boys are at large: Hunter, McGuane, Buffett, Jann, Plimpton. Yes, a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll went down.ButMcDonellalways brings it back to the writers and the writing which, by the way, he does as well as any of them. John Huey, former Editor in Chief, Time Inc. Somehow, Terry McDonell has managed to pour his rich and singular career into a book equally rich, equally singular, and always a pleasure. I enjoyed it greatly. Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, and first Public Editor of The New York Times Terry McDonell's masterpiece is the book of the year for those who revere literary memoirs. Who knew the editor's editor was also a brilliant writer? His zesty portraits of wild men and mandarins of Hunter Thompson, Jim Harrison and George Plimpton, and a host of the good, the bad and the beautiful give luminous life to the magazine world's epic era. Shelby Coffey, Vice Chairman, Newseum Terry McDonell is a perfect storm: He knows every great non-fiction writer of the latter half of the 20th century and, luckily for us, writes about them with such wit and aplomb. I learned a lot about these folks, but even more about what makes great writing and great editing, from a master at both. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves to read about writers and writing. Josh Quittner, Editorial Director, Flipboard The Accidental Life is a brilliant piece of work, written in a very clear and compelling style, imaginatively structured, with a wonderful sense of humor. Any writer or editor (or anyone interested in writing and reading) will find McDonell s book not only a must read but also an extremely entertaining and informative one. Don Carleton, Executive Director and J. R. Parten Chair in the Archives of American History, University of Texas at Austin Fascinating . . . engrossing. Part memoir, part retrospective, veteran publishing executive McDonell has produced an account of 20th-century publishing, journalism, writing, and authors from the perspective of one thoroughly entrenched in the culture and increasingly variable climate of the profession. The Accidental Life provides a glimpse into the people, places, and personalities of the magazine industry, as well as tidbits and lessons learned from McDonell s colleagues and friends. Stories build upon one another, flowing into a narrative that reads as easily as fiction, while retaining a journalistic quality (be true to your sources; let others know where one stands). McDonell s account charts a trajectory that follows the rise and major voices in American composition and journalism, as well as the seemingly inevitable challenge of keeping pace with the changing landscape of news and media. Will engage readers of popular culture studies, journalism and the lives of literary figures. Gricel Dominguez, Library Journal Long before he became a pioneer in digital media at Time Inc., Terry McDonell was already a heroic figure in the business of print magazines. He worked on the start-up of Outside and invented Smart; commuted between Livingston, Montana, and New York; served as managing editor at Rolling Stone; and was editor in chief of Us, Esquire, Men s Journal, Sports Afield, and Sports Illustrated. Through effortless writing and pin-sharp recollections from the past 40-odd years, this book is an amazing look on all that. McDonell worked with the best of them Tom McGuane, George Plimpton, Tim Cahill played acid golf with Hunter S. Thompson, and even wrote a column for Liz Tilberis at Harper s Bazaar before that most beloved of all fashion editors died. I mention the latter because Terry is seemingly one tough, macho journalist-editor whose tastes run from hand-tooled cowboy boots to The Paris Review (he s president of its board of directors) to Chateau Lafite. The truth is, he s one of the most generous, sensitive, literary guys out there, who did what he did extremely well and isn t averse to sharing the details. Richard David Story, Departures McDonell taps into his nearly four decades in magazine journalism at such well-known titles as Esquire, LA magazine, Men s Journal, Newsweek, Outside, Rolling Stone, as well as Sports Illustrated. The magazines he edited have garnered numerous accolades, including six National Magazine Awards (the Oscars of magazine journalism). The Accidental Life is a kind of memorial to mentors, heroes, colleagues, and friends, as well as some of the last century s best and most important writers, including Tom McGuane and Richard Ford. It s a bittersweet tribute to the golden age of new journalism (and its paler descendants), and a guidebook to a craft that has become increasingly devalued. It s also the story of McDonell s own lucky life . . . He celebrates colleagues and friends their talents and passions; he delights in their friendship and their cocaine- and alcohol-infused adventures; he glorifies the macho angst ( whatever that is, he writes) of their brotherhood . . . McDonell s passion for ideas is what makes him such a smart editor . . . A wild, high-octane memorable ride. Carrie Tuhy, Publishers Weekly The former editor of Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated looks back and celebrates after 40 years as journalist, editor, and magazine founder. [Here are] acerbic commentaries on the media, tender remembrances of friends and colleagues, and cogent advice to editors and writers. Sharp profiles feature vaguely menacing Hunter S. Thompson, moody Kurt Vonnegut, elegant Paris Review editor George Plimpton, and princely and brooding Steve Jobs . . . Among the most moving pieces are homages to friends, including irreverent Harper's Bazaar editor Elizabeth Tilberis; novelist James Salter; and Peter Matthiessen . . . McDonell loved editing, which, he says, is never only about the words but also images, typography, display copy, and polish and nuance. He admires precision, and admonishes reporters: Check your sources. McDonell, who founded LitHub, does not bemoan digital media, but he regrets that digital content meetings rarely focus on the quality of journalism. A wide-ranging, smart, and witty collection testifying to an impressive career. Kirkus Reviews Early on in this engaging memoir, McDonell jokingly defines hubris as his hope, when starting out, that I could become a great editor, by editing great writers and getting to know them. As this book s short, anecdote-rich chapters show, hope became reality during a career that included stints at Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, and Newsweek. McDonell covers the nuts and bolts of getting weekly and monthly magazines out, and the transition from print to digital media; these sections have the same verve that energizes his profiles of people whose talents he tapped, including Tom McGuane, Peter Matthiessen, Jim Harrison, Richard Price, and Richard Ford. His prose zings with witty insights . . . He also writes with great warmth about former colleagues. This book will fascinate anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in publishing. Publishers Weekly
Terry McDonell has long been one of the pre-eminent editors in the world of popular magazines, but here he is the ring-master for a world of literary masters, irresistible eccentrics, big ego owners and gotcha newsstand covers. Step right up and into a world we seldom see from the inside out. Tom Brokaw McDonell has led the beau ideal of the editor s life. And he s got it down on paper. In both cases, he has done it better than anyone anywhere. Graydon Carter In his many far-roaming years as an editor, Terry McDonell has worked with some of America s most gifted and gonzo writers. From George Plimpton to Ed Abbey to Hunter S. Thompson, they all make raucous appearances in this terrific, free-wheeling memoir. It s a must-read for anybody who is curious about the wild and talented characters who shaped the literature of our times. Carl Hiaasen Terry McDonell is a rare example of a fine editor who is also an excellent writer. What he does in The Accidental Life is connect us to brilliant people, known not only for what they write but for how they lived their lives. He does this with heart, in a sometimes heartless profession. And he loves what he does. Gay Talese Terry McDonell is a brilliant editor and a dangerous thinker which is the same thing. It s all there in The Accidental Life. Susan Casey, author of The Wave and The Devil s Teeth It reads like A Moveable Feast for the second half of the twentieth century, unfolding from L.A. to Manhattan, Montana to Aspen. All the bad boys are at large: Hunter, McGuane, Buffett, Jann, Plimpton. Yes, a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll went down.ButMcDonellalways brings it back to the writers and the writing which, by the way, he does as well as any of them. John Huey, former Editor in Chief, Time Inc. Somehow, Terry McDonell has managed to pour his rich and singular career into a book equally rich, equally singular, and always a pleasure. I enjoyed it greatly. Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, and first Public Editor of The New York Times Terry McDonell's masterpiece is the book of the year for those who revere literary memoirs. Who knew the editor's editor was also a brilliant writer? His zesty portraits of wild men and mandarins of Hunter Thompson, Jim Harrison and George Plimpton, and a host of the good, the bad and the beautiful give luminous life to the magazine world's epic era. Shelby Coffey, Vice Chairman, Newseum Terry McDonell is a perfect storm: He knows every great non-fiction writer of the latter half of the 20th century and, luckily for us, writes about them with such wit and aplomb. I learned a lot about these folks, but even more about what makes great writing and great editing, from a master at both. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves to read about writers and writing. Josh Quittner, Editorial Director, Flipboard The Accidental Life is a brilliant piece of work, written in a very clear and compelling style, imaginatively structured, with a wonderful sense of humor. Any writer or editor (or anyone interested in writing and reading) will find McDonell s book not only a must read but also an extremely entertaining and informative one. Don Carleton, Executive Director and J. R. Parten Chair in the Archives of American History, University of Texas at Austin
Terry McDonell knew the wildest writers, edited most of them, and he remembers. A great read. Roy Blount, Jr. Legendary editor Terry McDonell writes beautifully on the subject of what he s learned about writing, and life, from some of the best, most colorful and most difficult writers of his generation. Those of us who worked with him would tend to agree he taught us a thing or two; although he s still wrong about semicolons. Jay McInerney Terry McDonell has long been one of the pre-eminent editors in the world of popular magazines, but here he is the ring-master for a world of literary masters, irresistible eccentrics, big ego owners and gotcha newsstand covers. Step right up and into a world we seldom see from the inside out. Tom Brokaw McDonell has led the beau ideal of the editor s life. And he s got it down on paper. In both cases, he has done it better than anyone anywhere. Graydon Carter, Editor, Vanity Fair In his many far-roaming years as an editor, Terry McDonell has worked with some of America s most gifted and gonzo writers. From George Plimpton to Ed Abbey to Hunter S. Thompson, they all make raucous appearances in this terrific, free-wheeling memoir. It s a must-read for anybody who is curious about the wild and talented characters who shaped the literature of our times. Carl Hiaasen Great editors are the rarest of literaryand journalistic jewels: if a writer or reporter is lucky enough to find one, a magical collaboration and inviolate friendship take form.Terry McDonellhasconjured as much magic as any magazine editor of his time, at great magazines and with great writers, from Peter Matthiessen to Hunter Thompson. This editor s notes are both a wonderful primer and tell a remarkable tale. Carl Bernstein Every time I run into Terry McDonell, I think how great it would be to have dinner with him. Hear about the writers he's known and edited over the years, what the magazine business was like back then, how it's changed and where it's going, inside info about Edward Abbey, Jim Harrison, Annie Proulx, old New York, and the Swimsuit issue. That dinner is this book. Jeffrey Eugenides Legendary editor McDonell's account of dealings with great writers is catnip for anyone in the magazine business. Publishing gossip of the highest order from an unimpeachable source. It made me drunk and giddy to have such access. WhileI wasreading The Accidental Life, I panicked wheneverI couldn't lay my hands on it. Mary Norris, author of Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen A brilliant, behind-the-scenes account of some of the best storytellers of the last three decades, written by their editor who also knew them as friends. Terry McDonell writes with swagger, a poetic sense of wonder, and a gorgeously hungover soul. Bill Buford Funny, wise and down to earth, Terry McDonell has lived brilliantly in letters, always in the world but never far from the page. The Accidental Life is a glorious book, an affectionate and knowing tour of contemporary literature and journalism, full of essential insight into editing, writing, and living on one s own terms. Steve Coll, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, and author of Ghost Wars There is credit claimed for choices made and chances taken, but not a hint of self-congratulation.There are accounts of evenings spent with well-known people (with many of them laid to rest), but no name-dropping. The Accidental Life is a detailed and plain-spoken book about work. Greil Marcus I worked for Terry McDonell for six years, a wild ride that felt a lot like reading this book inspiring, intoxicating, and just a little dangerous. If The Accidental Life doesn t make you want to be an editor, nothing will. Sid Evans, Editor in Chief, Southern Living Terry McDonell is a rare example of a fine editor who is also an excellent writer. What he does in The Accidental Life is connect us to brilliant people, known not only for what they write but for how they lived their lives. He does this with heart, in a sometimes heartless profession. And he loves what he does. Gay Talese Terry McDonell is a brilliant editor and a dangerous thinker which is the same thing. It s all there in The Accidental Life. Susan Casey, author of The Wave and The Devil s Teeth It reads like A Moveable Feast for the second half of the twentieth century, unfolding from L.A. to Manhattan, Montana to Aspen. All the bad boys are at large: Hunter, McGuane, Buffett, Jann, Plimpton. Yes, a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll went down.ButMcDonellalways brings it back to the writers and the writing which, by the way, he does as well as any of them. John Huey, former Editor in Chief, Time Inc. Somehow, Terry McDonell has managed to pour his rich and singular career into a book equally rich, equally singular, and always a pleasure. I enjoyed it greatly. Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, and first Public Editor of The New York Times Terry McDonell's masterpiece is the book of the year for those who revere literary memoirs. Who knew the editor's editor was also a brilliant writer? His zesty portraits of wild men and mandarins of Hunter Thompson, Jim Harrison and George Plimpton, and a host of the good, the bad and the beautiful give luminous life to the magazine world's epic era. Shelby Coffey, Vice Chairman, Newseum Terry McDonell is a perfect storm: He knows every great non-fiction writer of the latter half of the 20th century and, luckily for us, writes about them with such wit and aplomb. I learned a lot about these folks, but even more about what makes great writing and great editing, from a master at both. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves to read about writers and writing. Josh Quittner, Editorial Director, Flipboard The Accidental Life is a brilliant piece of work, written in a very clear and compelling style, imaginatively structured, with a wonderful sense of humor. Any writer or editor (or anyone interested in writing and reading) will find McDonell s book not only a must read but also an extremely entertaining and informative one. Don Carleton, Executive Director and J. R. Parten Chair in the Archives of American History, University of Texas at Austin The former editor of Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated looks back and celebrates after 40 years as journalist, editor, and magazine founder. [Here are] acerbic commentaries on the media, tender remembrances of friends and colleagues, and cogent advice to editors and writers. Sharp profiles feature vaguely menacing Hunter S. Thompson, moody Kurt Vonnegut, elegant Paris Review editor George Plimpton, and princely and brooding Steve Jobs . . . Among the most moving pieces are homages to friends, including irreverent Harper's Bazaar editor Elizabeth Tilberis; novelist James Salter; and Peter Matthiessen . . . McDonell loved editing, which, he says, is never only about the words but also images, typography, display copy, and polish and nuance. He admires precision, and admonishes reporters: Check your sources. McDonell, who founded LitHub, does not bemoan digital media, but he regrets that digital content meetings rarely focus on the quality of journalism. A wide-ranging, smart, and witty collection testifying to an impressive career. Kirkus Reviews
Terry McDonell knew the wildest writers, edited most of them, and he remembers. A great read. Roy Blount, Jr. Legendary editor Terry McDonell writes beautifully on the subject of what he s learned about writing, and life, from some of the best, most colorful and most difficult writers of his generation. Those of us who worked with him would tend to agree he taught us a thing or two; although he s still wrong about semicolons. Jay McInerney Terry McDonell has long been one of the pre-eminent editors in the world of popular magazines, but here he is the ring-master for a world of literary masters, irresistible eccentrics, big ego owners and gotcha newsstand covers. Step right up and into a world we seldom see from the inside out. Tom Brokaw McDonell has led the beau ideal of the editor s life. And he s got it down on paper. In both cases, he has done it better than anyone anywhere. Graydon Carter, Editor, Vanity Fair In his many far-roaming years as an editor, Terry McDonell has worked with some of America s most gifted and gonzo writers. From George Plimpton to Ed Abbey to Hunter S. Thompson, they all make raucous appearances in this terrific, free-wheeling memoir. It s a must-read for anybody who is curious about the wild and talented characters who shaped the literature of our times. Carl Hiaasen Great editors are the rarest of literaryand journalistic jewels: if a writer or reporter is lucky enough to find one, a magical collaboration and inviolate friendship take form.Terry McDonellhasconjured as much magic as any magazine editor of his time, at great magazines and with great writers, from Peter Matthiessen to Hunter Thompson. This editor s notes are both a wonderful primer and tell a remarkable tale. Carl Bernstein Every time I run into Terry McDonell, I think how great it would be to have dinner with him. Hear about the writers he's known and edited over the years, what the magazine business was like back then, how it's changed and where it's going, inside info about Edward Abbey, Jim Harrison, Annie Proulx, old New York, and the Swimsuit issue. That dinner is this book. Jeffrey Eugenides Legendary editor McDonell's account of dealings with great writers is catnip for anyone in the magazine business. Publishing gossip of the highest order from an unimpeachable source. It made me drunk and giddy to have such access. WhileI wasreading The Accidental Life, I panicked wheneverI couldn't lay my hands on it. Mary Norris, author of Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen A brilliant, behind-the-scenes account of some of the best storytellers of the last three decades, written by their editor who also knew them as friends. Terry McDonell writes with swagger, a poetic sense of wonder, and a gorgeously hungover soul. Bill Buford Funny, wise and down to earth, Terry McDonell has lived brilliantly in letters, always in the world but never far from the page. The Accidental Life is a glorious book, an affectionate and knowing tour of contemporary literature and journalism, full of essential insight into editing, writing, and living on one s own terms. Steve Coll, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, and author of Ghost Wars There is credit claimed for choices made and chances taken, but not a hint of self-congratulation.There are accounts of evenings spent with well-known people (with many of them laid to rest), but no name-dropping. The Accidental Life is a detailed and plain-spoken book about work. Greil Marcus I worked for Terry McDonell for six years, a wild ride that felt a lot like reading this book inspiring, intoxicating, and just a little dangerous. If The Accidental Life doesn t make you want to be an editor, nothing will. Sid Evans, Editor in Chief, Southern Living Terry McDonell is a rare example of a fine editor who is also an excellent writer. What he does in The Accidental Life is connect us to brilliant people, known not only for what they write but for how they lived their lives. He does this with heart, in a sometimes heartless profession. And he loves what he does. Gay Talese Terry McDonell is a brilliant editor and a dangerous thinker which is the same thing. It s all there in The Accidental Life. Susan Casey, author of The Wave and The Devil s Teeth It reads like A Moveable Feast for the second half of the twentieth century, unfolding from L.A. to Manhattan, Montana to Aspen. All the bad boys are at large: Hunter, McGuane, Buffett, Jann, Plimpton. Yes, a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll went down.ButMcDonellalways brings it back to the writers and the writing which, by the way, he does as well as any of them. John Huey, former Editor in Chief, Time Inc. Somehow, Terry McDonell has managed to pour his rich and singular career into a book equally rich, equally singular, and always a pleasure. I enjoyed it greatly. Daniel Okrent, author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, and first Public Editor of The New York Times Terry McDonell's masterpiece is the book of the year for those who revere literary memoirs. Who knew the editor's editor was also a brilliant writer? His zesty portraits of wild men and mandarins of Hunter Thompson, Jim Harrison and George Plimpton, and a host of the good, the bad and the beautiful give luminous life to the magazine world's epic era. Shelby Coffey, Vice Chairman, Newseum Terry McDonell is a perfect storm: He knows every great non-fiction writer of the latter half of the 20th century and, luckily for us, writes about them with such wit and aplomb. I learned a lot about these folks, but even more about what makes great writing and great editing, from a master at both. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves to read about writers and writing. Josh Quittner, Editorial Director, Flipboard The Accidental Life is a brilliant piece of work, written in a very clear and compelling style, imaginatively structured, with a wonderful sense of humor. Any writer or editor (or anyone interested in writing and reading) will find McDonell s book not only a must read but also an extremely entertaining and informative one. Don Carleton, Executive Director and J. R. Parten Chair in the Archives of American History, University of Texas at Austin The former editor of Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated looks back and celebrates after 40 years as journalist, editor, and magazine founder. [Here are] acerbic commentaries on the media, tender remembrances of friends and colleagues, and cogent advice to editors and writers. Sharp profiles feature vaguely menacing Hunter S. Thompson, moody Kurt Vonnegut, elegant Paris Review editor George Plimpton, and princely and brooding Steve Jobs . . . Among the most moving pieces are homages to friends, including irreverent Harper's Bazaar editor Elizabeth Tilberis; novelist James Salter; and Peter Matthiessen . . . McDonell loved editing, which, he says, is never only about the words but also images, typography, display copy, and polish and nuance. He admires precision, and admonishes reporters: Check your sources. McDonell, who founded LitHub, does not bemoan digital media, but he regrets that digital content meetings rarely focus on the quality of journalism. A wide-ranging, smart, and witty collection testifying to an impressive career. Kirkus Reviews Early on in this engaging memoir, McDonell jokingly defines hubris as his hope, when starting out, that I could become a great editor, by editing great writers and getting to know them. As this book s short, anecdote-rich chapters show, hope became reality during a career that included stints at Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, and Newsweek. McDonell covers the nuts and bolts of getting weekly and monthly magazines out, and the transition from print to digital media; these sections have the same verve that energizes his profiles of people whose talents he tapped, including Tom McGuane, Peter Matthiessen, Jim Harrison, Richard Price, and Richard Ford. His prose zings with witty insights . . . He also writes with great warmth about former colleagues. This book will fascinate anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in publishing. Publishers Weekly
