I got about 450 pages into Imperial, with the intent to review, and had to take a breather. Some parts were among the best Vollmann I’ve yet read, some parts (the straight-historical sections, though some might disagree) really dragged for me, and others were audacious and idiosyncratic like the weirdest reaches of The Atlas. I put it down mainly out of exhaustion, and always intended to finish it eventually.

This interview made me want to resume it sooner than later. Mainly because of what Scott says: this book hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. There’s simply so much here–good and bad, but always, apropos Steinbeck, the work of someone who really cares to be ignored. I remember reading the more straightforward journalistic bits and thinking “This will really open Vollmann up to a new audience.” And then, the NYT coverage, an award nomination… and not much else in terms of real buzz or, obviously, sales. I guess a $55 price will do that to a book after all.

John: Scott Bryan Wilson reviewed it for us–about as sympathetic of a Vollmann reader as you will find–and he agreed that some parts are amazing, but some are just a little too informational. Still, he really liked it overall. I haven’t read it, but it sounds like most agree it’s his best in years.