While teaching college undergraduates English literature and writing, I discovered the literary works of Mark Helprin. I owe a debt of gratitude to Hillsdale College. Their English and History professors continue to bless me.

If you love language–especially beautiful language–or if you have ever lost yourself in a Thomas Hardy novel on a rainy Saturday, or read Hemingway’s stories through the night, or wandered your own imaginary heath with Cathy and Heathcliff, or felt P. Caputo or Tim O’Brien in your reading boot soles, Helprin’s words may reach you.