[Dr. Drib]

I would recommend his very first novel, "A Short History of A Small Place," with an understanding however, that his prose style is rich, dense, and sometimes difficult - and absolutely delightful (to me).

The setting is Neely, North Carolina, a fictitious Southern town that doesn't exist. The characters, however, exist in every one of us and this (I would argue) is what makes them so endearing.

The author clearly loves his characters; this is so readily apparent upon reading the few sentences. Anyone with a sense of humor (and who also enjoys sentences that turn in on themselves) will fall in love with these characters. I also fell in love with his writing which, as I mentioned, is a language that is rich and vibrant and beautiful.

I recognize that this can be a difficult read for people who are used to the action-packed bestsellers of today. I can read both types.

His later novels do not have (in my opinion) this rich love affair with the English language, but Pearson continues to be a serious writer.

I encountered his work in 1985, when this book first came out. I have 3 uncorrected proofs of his various novels. My hardback First Editions are protected in acid-free mylar covers. (I'm a book collector, as you surmise.)

Read the reviews on Amazon - both positive and negative. You'll get an idea of the almost cult following he has. You'll also find out why some people don't like him. In most instances, this dislike takes the form of readers who mainly read fast-action bestsellers. This is what (in so many cases) they are used to.

It's a crime that Pearson - this fine, fine American writer - is not widely known or widely read. His plight is similar, I would say, to Donald Harington. They share many things in common: One which looks at the human condition and finds not fault with our many failings, but one which recognizes and cherishes those enduring qualities that help to define who and what we are as human beings.

I admire T. R. Pearson's work tremendously.



Don