Famous Feuds in the World of Literature: When Authors Clashed with Columnists

Literature has always been a field of intense passion and creativity, but it has also been a source of conflict and controversy. Throughout history, there have been many famous feuds between authors and columnists, with each side fiercely defending their own opinions and beliefs. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable literary feuds and the impact they had on the world of literature.

The Hemingway vs. Fitzgerald Feud

One of the most famous literary feuds was between Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The two writers were friends, but their relationship was often strained due to their differing writing styles and personalities. Hemingway was known for his terse, masculine prose, while Fitzgerald was more lyrical and romantic.

Their feud began when Hemingway criticized Fitzgerald’s novel, “Tender Is the Night,” calling it “a failure.” Fitzgerald was hurt by the criticism and responded by calling Hemingway “a bully” and “a phony.” The feud continued for years, with both writers taking shots at each other in their writing and in public.

The feud between Hemingway and Fitzgerald had a significant impact on the literary world. It highlighted the tension between different writing styles and the importance of personal relationships in the literary community.

The Vidal vs. Mailer Feud

Another famous literary feud was between Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer. The two writers were known for their sharp tongues and their willingness to engage in public debates. Their feud began in the 1960s when Mailer criticized Vidal’s novel, “Myra Breckinridge,” calling it “a piece of pornography.”

Vidal responded by calling Mailer “a liar” and “a psychopath.” The feud continued for years, with both writers taking shots at each other in their writing and in public debates.

The Vidal vs. Mailer feud was significant because it highlighted the tension between different literary genres and the importance of personal relationships in the literary community. It also showed the power of public debates and the impact they can have on the literary world.

The Rushdie vs. Naipaul Feud

The feud between Salman Rushdie and V.S. Naipaul was one of the most controversial in the literary world. The two writers were both of Indian descent and had a shared history, but their relationship was often strained due to their differing political views.

The feud began when Rushdie criticized Naipaul’s views on Islam, calling him “a bigot.” Naipaul responded by calling Rushdie “a mediocre writer” and criticizing his novel, “The Satanic Verses.”

The feud between Rushdie and Naipaul was significant because it highlighted the tension between different political views and the impact they can have on the literary world. It also showed the power of personal relationships and the impact they can have on the literary community.

Conclusion

Famous feuds in the world of literature have been a source of controversy and conflict for centuries. They have highlighted the tension between different writing styles, literary genres, and political views. They have also shown the power of personal relationships and the impact they can have on the literary community. Despite the controversies, these feuds have contributed to the richness and diversity of the literary world, and they continue to inspire and challenge writers today.