The phrase "writer's writer" is often considered something of a backhanded compliment, implying critical distinction, a difficult but esoterically rewarding literary style, and low sales. These qualities all apply to some degree to Richard Stern, who, despite a highly acclaimed output that includes seven novels, five books of short fiction, and five books of nonfiction, remains virtually unknown among the wider public. Sven Birkets points out in The New Republic (20 February 1989) that Stern is "hardly a household name" and wonders that "in an era when writers barely old enough to drive are garnering enormous advances and, worse, enormous reputations, how is it that a writer of Stern's caliber still waits for recognition"" The answer may be found in the fact that Stern writes purely to please himself and pays no heed to topical concerns, sensationalism of any kind, movements, or trends. He is sometimes classified as a Jewish...