Norman Mailer never took critics very seriously; 50 years ago he bought a full-page ad quoting their attacks on one of his early novels. He told us about the critic he liked best: Dwight MacDonald, one of the literary heavyweights of mid-century America. MacDonald was anything but dogmatic. Produced by Trey Kay.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!