Matthew Joseph Bruccoli
Matthew Joseph Bruccoli
=====================================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
------------------------------
Matthew J. Bruccoli was a renowned American literary critic, scholar, and biographer. He is often referred to by his initials, M.J.B., in academic circles.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Bruccoli was born on September 19, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey, and passed away on December 9, 2009.
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Matthew J. Bruccoli held American nationality and was a literary critic, scholar, and biographer by profession.
Early Life and Background
Bruccoli grew up in a family that valued education and literature. His father, Joseph P. Bruccoli, was an Italian immigrant who owned a small grocery store in Newark, New Jersey. Matthew's mother, Clara (née Mazzola) Bruccoli, was also of Italian descent and had a passion for reading. This background instilled in Bruccoli a love for literature from an early age.
Bruccoli attended St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1952. He then pursued his graduate studies at the University of Washington, earning his Master's degree in 1953 and his Ph.D. in English Literature in 1957.
Major Accomplishments
Bruccoli's academic career spanned over five decades, during which he made significant contributions to the fields of literary criticism, scholarship, and biography. He was a leading expert on American literature, particularly the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner.
One of his most notable achievements was editing the Fitzgerald Encyclopedia, a comprehensive reference work that showcases Bruccoli's extensive knowledge of Fitzgerald's life and works.
Bruccoli also wrote or edited numerous books on American literature, including The Republic of Letters: The Correspondence between Émile Boutroux and William James and The Cambridge Companion to Ernest Hemingway.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his literary criticism and scholarship, Bruccoli was a prolific writer and editor. He contributed articles and reviews to various publications, including the New York Times, The Paris Review, and The Kenyon Review.
Bruccoli's commitment to preserving American literature led him to establish the Matthew J. and Christine D. Bruccoli Collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald at Clemson University in South Carolina. This collection comprises over 1,000 items related to Fitzgerald's life and works, including letters, manuscripts, and photographs.
Impact and Legacy
Bruccoli's impact on literary scholarship is immeasurable. He helped shape the way we understand American literature by shedding light on the lives and works of its most celebrated authors. His meticulous research and insightful analysis have inspired generations of scholars and writers.
As a biographer and critic, Bruccoli's work has been praised for its depth and nuance. His writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and wit, making his books accessible to both specialists and general readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Matthew J. Bruccoli's quotes are widely sought after due to his expertise on American literature and his ability to distill complex ideas into concise and thought-provoking statements. His writings offer valuable insights into the lives and works of iconic authors, making him a treasured source for scholars, writers, and readers alike.
Bruccoli's legacy extends beyond his written work. He has inspired countless students and researchers through his mentorship and teaching. As a testament to his enduring impact, Bruccoli was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship and the Fitzgerald Society Award.
Matthew J. Bruccoli's contributions to American literary scholarship will continue to be felt for generations to come. His quotes and writings remain essential resources for anyone interested in understanding the rich cultural heritage of the United States.
Quotes by Matthew Joseph Bruccoli
The mortality rate of literary friendships is high. Writers tend to be bad risks as friends ~ probably for much the same reasons that they are bad matrimonial risks. They expend the best parts of themselves in their work. Moreover, literary ambition has a way of turning into literary competition; if fame is the spur, envy may be a concomitant.