Vardis Fisher Criticism
Vardis Fisher (1895-1968) was a prolific American novelist, poet, and historian known for his historical fiction set on the Western frontier. His notable works include the semi-autobiographical "Vridar Hunter" tetralogy and the ambitious twelve-volume "Testament of Man" series. As Joseph M. Flora discusses, his early novels like Toilers of the Hills exhibit Fisher's powerful storytelling about pioneer life. His "Testament of Man" series aimed to trace human societal development but received mixed critical attention due to its perceived didacticism. Fisher's Children of God earned the Harper Prize in 1939 for its exploration of Mormon history, and his novel Mountain Man (1965) was adapted into the film Jeremiah Johnson, briefly reviving his critical reputation.
Fisher's early life in an isolated Idaho community and his education at the University of Utah and the University of Chicago significantly influenced his writing. His personal experiences were deeply woven into his works, as seen in the "Vridar Hunter" tetralogy, which parallels his own life events, including the tragic suicide of his first wife. Despite his initial popularity and the critical acclaim for works like Toilers in the Hills and Dark Bridwell, Fisher gradually fell into obscurity. However, his meticulous historical accuracy was praised, as noted by Ronald W. Taber, who highlighted Fisher's role in advancing realism in historical fiction. Fisher's later years were marked by prolific output, though his "Testament of Man" series did not achieve the recognition he had hoped for. Nevertheless, his contributions remain significant, particularly in representing the American West and influencing the historical novel genre.
Contents
- Principal Works
- Fisher, Vardis (Contemporary Literary Criticism)
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Fisher, Vardis (Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism)
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Honesty and Fiction
(summary)
In the following review, Walton observes that Passions Spin the Plot straddles the categories of fiction and autobiography, loosing “dramatic power” as a result. Walton asserts the novel is otherwise interesting, and honest, and that the central character is developed with depth and complexity.
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A Twelve-Cylinder Idyl
(summary)
In the following review, Van Doren praises April for its power, energy, and humor.
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The Phenomena of the Beginning
(summary)
In the following review of Darkness and the Deep, Sugrue observes that Fisher successfully employs the medium of fiction to popularize scientific theories about the evolution of humanity.
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Stimulating Treatment of Bible Story
(summary)
In the following review of The Valley of Vision, Wagenknecht comments that Fisher offers an engaging fictional story based on solid historical knowledge in “a fresh and stimulating interpretation of biblical history.”
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Pemmican
(summary)
In the following review, Pemmican is considered an exciting story, although the reading experience is made unpleasant by Fisher's obsessive focus on sexual and bodily functions.
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Vivid Novel of Lewis and Clark Expedition
(summary)
In the following review of Tale of Valor, Havighurst observes that Fisher sticks to the historical facts of his story while rounding out individual characters and adding dramatic action.
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Death of a Hero
(summary)
In the following review, Daniels describes Murder or Suicide? as a “fascinating work of historical detection,” but observes that Fisher fails to address broader questions raised by the story.
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The Early Power of Vardis Fisher
(summary)
In the following essay, Flora discusses Toilers of the Hills as an example of the high quality of Fisher's early novels.
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Vardis Fisher and His Testament of Man
(summary)
In the following essay, Margaret provides a brief overview of each of the twelve novels of Fisher's “Testament of Man” series.
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Review of Mountain Man
(summary)
In the following review, Donahugh describes Mountain Man as “a stirring piece of Americana” and recommends it as appropriate reading material for teenaged boys. He provides a summary of the plot involving Sam Minard, a fur-trapper, and his interactions with a woman who has suffered a tragic loss, highlighting the book's superb backgrounds and consistency of tone, while noting its suitability for older teen-age boys.
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Mountain Man
(summary)
In the following review, the reviewer describes Mountain Man as powerful and intense reading. Mountain Man is a stark novel of the western frontier by an author who knows the period well. Based in part on the real life story of a man and a woman, the narrative tells of Sam Minard and the cold, bloody vengeance he took against the Crows who had killed his Indian wife and child, and of Kate Bowden who went insane after losing her family to Indian tomahawks. Written with power and intensity, there is a certain beauty in the simple acceptance of the harsh laws of nature. For the mature reader who enjoyed Guthrie's The Big Sky.
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Vardis Fisher: New Directions for the Historical Novel
(summary)
In the following essay, Taber asserts that the works of Fisher were at the forefront of efforts to free the historical novel from its ties to romantic literature, paving the way for greater realism and historical accuracy.
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Review of Gold Rushes and Mining Camps of the Early American West
(summary)
In the following review, Thorne describes Gold Rushes and Mining Camps of the Early American West as refreshing, accurate, readable, and entertaining.
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Vardis Fisher: The Antelope People Sonnets
(summary)
In the following essay, Grover discusses Fisher's “The Antelope People” sonnets, concluding that this series represents the best of Fisher's poetry.
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The Primitive World of Vardis Fisher: The Idaho Novels
(summary)
In the following essay, Milton discusses Fisher's theme of primitive humanity in the “Testament of Man” novel series.
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Vardis Fisher's Antelope People: Pursuing an Elusive Dream
(summary)
In the following essay, Meldrum explores Fisher's portrayal of the Western frontier experience in Toilers of the Hills, Dark Bridwell, and April.
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Vardis Fisher
(summary)
In the following essay, Attebery discusses Fisher's works from five distinct periods of his life and literary development.
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Honesty and Fiction
(summary)
- Further Reading