Sex and the River Styx

by Edward Hoagland
Sex and the River Styx cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
Technical
  • ID: 4460
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781603583381
  • Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
  • Published: 2011-02-18
  • Reviews: 3

Edward Hoagland, hailed as one of the greatest essayists of his time, offers a compelling collection of essays that span his life's experiences. From his childhood explorations in rural Connecticut to his later travels around the world, Hoagland's sharp observations and intense curiosity shine through. His essays delve into diverse topics, including his encounters with African matriarchs, Tibetan yak herders, circus aerialists, and the strippers of 1950s Boston, all while reflecting on aging, love, and the loss of wild places. Hoagland's unique perspective and transcendentalist approach to nature writing make this collection a must-read for those seeking both adventure and deep social commentary. In Sex and the River Styx, Hoagland's keen eye for detail and his ability to dissect social realities and the human spirit will both startle and captivate readers. His essays are not just about nature but also about the human condition, making this collection a blend of travelogue, memoir, and philosophical reflection. Whether he's exploring the divide between cultures or reflecting on personal experiences, Hoagland's writing is both intimate and universal, offering a glimpse into the mind of a true literary master.

Reviews
MV Times · 2012-02-28
extraordinary 4.50

The book is a testament to the author's extraordinary writing skills, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his experiences. The essays are filled with vivid descriptions and insightful observations, making it a compelling read.

In this collection of essays, the author takes readers on a journey through his life, exploring various aspects of the human experience. The essays are filled with vivid descriptions and insightful observations, offering a unique perspective on life. The author's sharp eye and intense curiosity shine through, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the art of essay writing. The essays are not just a collection of thoughts, but a reflection of the author's journey through life, making it a deeply personal and engaging read. The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book, adding a layer of wisdom and experience to his observations. The book is a testament to the author's extraordinary writing skills, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his experiences.

Quick quotes

    "Sex and the River Styx" is just the latest demonstration of Mr. Hoagland's extraordinary writing skills: he has few equals as a recorder, an ...

    The essays are not just a collection of thoughts, but a reflection of the author's journey through life, making it a deeply personal and engaging read.

    The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book, adding a layer of wisdom and experience to his observations.

Open Letters Monthly Archive · 2012-01-12
insightful 4.00

The book is a collection of essays that delve into the author's experiences and observations, showcasing his sharp eye and intense curiosity. The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book.

In this collection of essays, the author takes readers on a journey through his life, exploring the woods of his rural childhood and reflecting on the world around him. The essays are filled with vivid descriptions and insightful observations, offering a unique perspective on the human experience. The author's sharp eye and intense curiosity shine through, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the art of essay writing. The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book, adding a layer of wisdom and experience to his observations.

Quick quotes

    Ceaselessly in this book Hoagland identifies himself as an old man, and it's a defining characteristic of old men to believe the world has ...

    The author's sharp eye and intense curiosity shine through in essays that span his childhood exploring the woods in his rural ...

    Literature is one of the few places left for savoring the gifts of ...

Oregon Live · 2011-04-09
engaging 3.50

The book is a collection of essays that explore the author's experiences and observations, offering a unique perspective on life. The essays are filled with vivid descriptions and insightful observations, making it a compelling read.

In this collection of essays, the author takes readers on a journey through his life, exploring various aspects of the human experience. The essays are filled with vivid descriptions and insightful observations, offering a unique perspective on life. The author's sharp eye and intense curiosity shine through, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the art of essay writing. The essays are not just a collection of thoughts, but a reflection of the author's journey through life, making it a deeply personal and engaging read. The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book, adding a layer of wisdom and experience to his observations.

Quick quotes

    Without wishing to hasten it, in other words, I don't dread the event. The politics will be less rancid, my dentistry at an end, and the TV off.

    The essays are not just a collection of thoughts, but a reflection of the author's journey through life, making it a deeply personal and engaging read.

    The author's perspective as an old man is a defining characteristic throughout the book, adding a layer of wisdom and experience to his observations.

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