Title: On Writing

Author: Charles Bukowski

Type: Non-Fiction

Page Count/Review Word Count: 216

Rating: 5*/5

Charles Bukowski – On Writing

First thing’s first – before you start wondering about the title, because it’s the same as a Stephen King book, let me clarify. This book was published after King’s book, and way after Bukowski’s death, but the title is forgiveable because it’s part of a series that also includes On Cats and On Love. I think it’s fine – after all, it’s a pretty descriptive title.

In this book, then, we get to see a collection of Bukowski’s thoughts on both the process of writing and his career as a whole, thanks to fragments of letters, unpublished excerpts and other bits and bobs. Even a non-fan would find this interesting, and even a non-author would enjoy the little nuggets that Bukowski has to offer. But if you’re a big fan of his, like I am, then you’re going to love it.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to get a collection of letters to have a narrative of its own right, but the editors have done well here and I think even the man himself would have begrudgingly admitted that this collection has a certain literary merit – and a certain charm – of its own. Worth reading for anyone – but especially for writers.

Charles Bukowski

Click here to buy On Writing.