Includes bibliographical references (p. [329]-331) and index.

"James A. Michener was one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. In lengthy novels, he captivated readers with sweeping historical plots that educated as they entertained." "In this full-length biography of the private as well as the public Michener, Stephen J. May tells how an aspiring writer rose from obscurity to become an international best-selling novelist, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is the only book to draw on the author's complete papers as well as interviews with his friends and associates. The result conveys much about Michener never before revealed in print." "May also reveals the author's hypersensitivity to criticism, his egotism and vindictiveness, and his failure on some occasions to acknowledge the contributions of his assistants." "Examining Michener's body of writing in its biographical and cultural contexts, May first describes the creation of each novel and summarizes published reviews; he then assesses the book's strengths and shortcomings. His close readings underscore Michener's innovative method of presenting mountains of historical and cultural research in an engaging literary form. And May shows that although Michener's books featured settings around the world, he maintained a special affection for the American West, believing that what was best in the American character could be found in the early pioneers' courage, self-reliance, and faith."--BOOK JACKET