In The Impossible Craft, Scott Donaldson explores the rocky territory of literary biography, the most difficult that biographers try to navigate. Writers are accustomed to controlling the narrative, and notoriously opposed to allowing intruders on their turf. They make bonfires of their papers, encourage others to destroy correspondence, write their own autobiographies, and appoint family or friends to protect their reputations as official biographers. Thomas Hardy went so far as to compose his own life story to be published after his death, while falsely assigning authorship to his widow. After a brief background sketch of the history of biography from Greco-Roman times to the present, Donaldson recounts his experiences in writing biographies of a broad range of twentieth-century American writers: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Cheever, Archibald MacLeish, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Winfield Townley Scott, and Charlie Fenton. Donaldson provides readers with a highly readable insiders’ introduction to literary biography. He suggests how to conduct interviews, and what not to do during the process. He offers sound advice about how closely biographers should identify with their subjects. He examines the ethical obligations of the biographer, who must aim for the truth without unduly or unnecessarily causing discomfort or worse to survivors. He shows us why and how misinformation comes into existence and tends to persist over time. He describes “the mythical ideal biographer,” an imaginary creature of universal intelligence and myriad talents beyond the reach of any single human being. And he suggests how its very impossibility makes the goal of writing a biography that captures the personality of an author a challenge well worth pursuing.

In The Impossible Craft, Scott Donaldson explores the rocky territory of literary biography, the most difficult that biographers try to navigate. Writers are accustomed to controlling the narrative, and notoriously opposed to allowing intruders on their turf. They make bonfires of their papers, encourage others to destroy correspondence, write their own autobiographies, and appoint family or friends to protect their reputations as official biographers. Thomas Hardy went so far as to compose his own life story to be published after his death, while falsely assigning authorship to his widow. After a brief background sketch of the history of biography from Greco-Roman times to the present, Donaldson recounts his experiences in writing biographies of a broad range of twentieth-century American writers: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Cheever, Archibald MacLeish, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Winfield Townley Scott, and Charlie Fenton. Donaldson provides readers with a highly readable insiders’ introduction to literary biography. He suggests how to conduct interviews, and what not to do during the process. He offers sound advice about how closely biographers should identify with their subjects. He examines the ethical obligations of the biographer, who must aim for the truth without unduly or unnecessarily causing discomfort or worse to survivors. He shows us why and how misinformation comes into existence and tends to persist over time. He describes “the mythical ideal biographer,” an imaginary creature of universal intelligence and myriad talents beyond the reach of any single human being. And he suggests how its very impossibility makes the goal of writing a biography that captures the personality of an author a challenge well worth pursuing.

Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments are presented in creative ways to help children understand God's work and His presence in their everyday lives. Each story is accompanied by discussion questions, a memory verse, and a fun craft activity.

Sloppy Craft: Postdisciplinarity and the Crafts brings together leading international artists and critics to explore the possibilities and limitations of the idea of 'sloppy craft' – craft that is messy or unfinished looking in its execution or appearance, or both. The contributors address 'sloppiness' in contemporary art and craft practices including painting, weaving, sewing and ceramics, consider the importance of traditional concepts of skill, and the implications of sloppiness for a new 21st century emphasis on inter- and postdisciplinarity, as well as for activist, performance, queer and Aboriginal practices. In addition to critical essays, the book includes a 'conversation' section in which contemporary artists and practitioners discuss challenges and opportunities of 'sloppy craft' in their practice and teaching, and an afterword by Glenn Adamson.

**Crafting Change Transform Your Life and Community through Upcycling** Discover the transformative power of upcycling with "Crafting Change," a comprehensive guide designed to elevate your eco-conscious living while making a charitable impact. This inspiring eBook takes you step-by-step through the art of upcycling, unveiling the boundless potential of reutilizing everyday materials for social good. Begin your journey by understanding the essence of upcycling and its significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. Learn how to start your own upcycling projects by identifying suitable materials and acquiring the necessary tools and techniques. This book provides detailed insights and easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Get inspired by real-life case studies of local upcycling projects and learn how to collaborate with local charities to make a tangible impact in your community. From transforming old clothes into new fashion for clothing drives to refurbishing furniture for families in need, "Crafting Change" empowers you to use your creativity for a cause. Explore chapters dedicated to upcycling for education, creating school supplies and learning tools from household items. Dive into sections on shelter, where you can learn to reclaim materials and create simple furniture for those in transition. Each chapter provides practical insights into partnering with various organizations to amplify your impact. Unlock the potential of upcycling electronics to create assistive technologies and discover the art of crafting unique pieces for healing spaces. This eBook also walks you through hosting workshops, engaging your community, and sharing your upcycling stories through social media. "Crafting Change" isn't just about projects; it's about creating a sustainable business model that supports charitable causes. Learn how to set up a sales platform for your upcycled goods, develop pricing and marketing strategies, and effectively donate proceeds to organizations in need. Measure and celebrate your impact with tips on tracking project outcomes and sharing success stories. Reflect on your journey and inspire others to join the movement of creating change, one upcycled item at a time. Embark on a rewarding journey of creativity and compassion with "Crafting Change." Start making a difference today.

In ancient Mediterranean cultures, diamonds were thought to endow their owners with invincibility. In contemporary United States culture, a foreign-made luxury car is believed to give its owner status and prestige. Where do these beliefs come from? In this study of craft production and long-distance trade in traditional, nonindustrial societies, Mary W. Helms explores the power attributed to objects that either are produced by skilled artisans and/or come from "afar." She argues that fine artisanship and long-distance trade, both of which are more available to powerful elites than to ordinary people, are means of creating or acquiring tangible objects that embody intangible powers and energies from the cosmological realms of gods, ancestors, or heroes. Through the objects, these qualities become available to human society and confer honor and power on their possessors. Helms’ novel approach equates trade with artistry and emphasizes acquisition rather than distribution. She rejects the classic Western separation between economics and aesthetics and offers a new paradigm for understanding traditional societies that will be of interest to all anthropologists and archaeologists.