Jewish Settlers in Montana
LESLIE A.
FIEDLER
Leslie “Fiedler was the original
chest-thumping extrovert of American criticism, and no one ever did it better."*
His dramatic flair was on display in the lecture hall, on stage, and in his many works of fiction and criticism.
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A writer and teacher, he broke new ground and greatly influenced the world of American literature, pop culture, and gender studies. As noted by biographer Mark Winchell, “Before Fiedler, hardly any literary critics discussed race and sexuality in American literature. Since him, they hardly talk about anything else.”
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For 23 years, he taught and traveled widely from his base in Missoula. He rocked the university by challenging university president Carl McFarland, bringing in outstanding faculty, and hosting great writers, such as
W. H. Auden and William Faulkner. The Fiedler family left for Buffalo, New York, in the mid-1960s, and his writing turned to popular culture.
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He admitted to “a low tolerance for detached chronicling and cool analysis”. He wrote, “I long for the raised voice, the howl of rage or love.” There is little doubt that Leslie Fiedler became one of the most provocative and influential literary critics of his generation.
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*Sam Tanenhaus,“Fear and Loathing”, Slate Magazine, February 4, 2003.
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Photography of Fiedler: Lee Nye, provided by Jean Belangie-Nye.
Other sources: Andrew Rosenheim. Stephen Wigler, The Baltimore Sun, March 9, 1992.
Our objective is to bring Leiser's Footsteps exhibit to museums around the NW United States.
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library is hosting
Leiser's Footsteps museum exhibit until June, 2022
We are looking forward to launching our new exhibit called: From Gold to Granite in the Winter of 2022.
This is an exploration of Jews during the Gold Rush period.
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