Since this story won’t go die (sorry), I thought I’d share this Iowa alum’s frank and uncharitable opinion of Frank Conroy:
“He was a self-mythologizing and pitiful specimen. I like to reserve my wishes for death for the president and his cabinet, but contrary to everyone’s hard love whining, it is no loss whatsoever, either to humanity or American letters.”
Harsh? Sure, but isn’t it somewhat unflattering to describe a professional educator as a “pool shark” in their obituary?
That depends on the particular academic discipline. Professors of Billiards Administration prefer it, actually.
Posted by: Pete | April 29, 2005 at 07:16 AM
Why is it so terrible to laud a writer, particularly when much of what is being written is being generated here in Iowa City? The director of any nationally recognized academic program would receive similar treatment anywhere in the world; that aside from the NYT obits and such afforded Conroy as a respected author. The man himself said he never saw writing as a career, but instead lived a full, interesting life in which writing and teaching were (important) components. So what if he was a good pool player? Wishing his death? Sounds like someone received some criticism they couldn't handle. Let the dead rest in peace.
Posted by: John | April 29, 2005 at 07:28 AM
I'm still trying to figure out what's so unflattering about "pool shark" myself, and why it's less flattering than "jazz pianist."
Posted by: Ron | April 29, 2005 at 08:18 AM
Pool shark has come to mean prowess at pool, but it's original definition is one who intentionally misleads someone about their chances for success and then takes all their money. My bad. That's what directors at MFA programs do.
Posted by: Jim Ruland | April 29, 2005 at 09:59 AM
I guess I'm kind of stuck in the past--I don't really care to know that much about a writer. Frank Conroy may very well have been a real jerk, but I was really touched by his books. I hear Miles Davis was a real dick most of the time, too.
Posted by: Rich | April 30, 2005 at 01:23 PM