Michael Steinberg

The Fourth Genre: Contemporary Writers of/on Creative Nonfiction

Co-editor (with Robert L. Root)

Now in its third edition, this anthology is the first to draw on the common ground of the practicing writer and the practical critic/scholar, and of creative writing practice and composition theory, in an attempt to bridge the gaps between the teaching of composition, creative writing, and literature in English departments.

Part I compiles an anthology of contemporary essays, memoirs, literary journalism, and personal cultural criticism by accomplished writers, reflecting the breadth and range of contemporary creative nonfiction. Part II presents essays discussing the forms and issues surrounding the fourth genre, including pieces by writers whose work appears in Part I. Part III pairs essays and memoirs with commentary by their authors explaining their composing processes.

Selected Comments and Reviews:

Selected Works

Anthology of/on Creative Nonfiction

The Fourth Genre: Contemporary
Writers of/on Creative Nonfiction
“Offers the most thorough and teachable introduction available to this exciting genre.”

--John Boe, University of California, Davis

Anthology/Collection

Peninsula:
Essays and Memoirs From Michigan
“Wherever readers look, they’ll find a different essay, a different voice, a different Michigan.”

--The Crab Orchard Review

Literary Journal

Fourth Genre: Explorations in Nonfiction (Founding Editor)
A journal devoted to publishing notable, innovative work in nonfiction.

Memoir

Still Pitching: A Memoir
“My favorite book of the year. An astonishing look at the pains of growing up.”

--Dan Smith, WVTF Virginia, Public Radio

Teaching/Writing

Those Who Do, Can: Teachers Writing, Writers Teaching A Sourcebook
"Root and Steinberg will be on the shelf near my desk that holds the most important books about the teaching of writing." -Donald Murray, A Writer Teaches Writing and Write to Learn

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