Cormac McCarthy: A legacy revisited

A new biography, ‘Cormac McCarthy: A Legacy Revisited’ by Tracy Daugherty, examines the distinct literary impact of the American novelist. McCarthy’s work is characterized by its somber, pessimistic, and unironic tone, often standing apart from the postmodern and metafictional trends of his contemporaries.

His prose is noted for its unique sound, ranging from the baroque language of ‘Blood Meridian’ to a more plainspoken style. His narratives frequently explore desolate landscapes and violent themes, featuring taciturn characters and a notable absence of modern cultural markers like television or consumerism.