Shelby Foote, Novelist and Historian, Dies at 88 - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 28, 2005

Shelby Foote, Novelist and Historian, Dies at 88

Date: Jun 28, 2005

Like my other hero, Barbara Tuchman, one of those independent scholars who made their name and living in the liberal arts, but outside the academy per se. As good an argument for pure scholarship as has ever been in this part of the world.

Date: Jun 28, 2005

I have admired Shelby Foote for some time. He was a unique writer and person. I'm not sure if the link above mentions it, but I heard an interesting fact today. Shelby Foote wrote everything by hand (no typewriters or computers) using a pen that had to be dipped in an inkwell or ink bottle. He said that such a mechanism was itself part of the writing process. Perhaps he felt it required more discipline or more thought to write in such a manner. Whatever the case, I am pleased to have been exposed to his writings.

Date: Jun 28, 2005

Foote Fetish wrote:

I am pleased to have been exposed to his writings.

Your posting name has not been ignored, FF.

Date: Jun 29, 2005

A great fact, FF. It adds credence to my failure to improve my typing skills - the limiting factor isn't my fingers, it'e my brain.