Here at Open Road, we find many a role model in our authors—but with yellow school buses crowding the streets and school supplies flying off the shelves, it is only appropriate to highlight a writer who truly exemplifies the model student: James L. W. West III.
As a senior in college, the inquisitive West was completing his undergraduate thesis on the novel The Confessions of Nat Turnerby William Styron and found that he had a number of questions he was unable to answer. Intrepid scholar that he was, West was not satisfied with this lack of knowledge and took it upon himself to find answers. He composed a list of questions and sent them to Styron. While West doubted that such a prestigious author would ever write back to a lowly undergraduate, a few days later he received a detailed response to every single one of his questions.
West’s dedication to and admiration for Styron’s writings provided him the opportunity not only to meet Styron but also to pen Styron’s authorized biography, William Styron, A Life. Retaining the perceptiveness, curiosity, and rigorous habits of his school days, West created a biography that provides valuable insight into the life and works of a giant of American literature.
Check out the clip below for even more information on West’s friendship with the incredible William Styron.