[An] in-depth analysis of the positivity of literary pursuits . . . This informative and entertaining read will delight those interested in the writing process.

Library Journal

[WHY WRITE?] is filled with anecdotes about canonical writers, along with personal stories from the author's writing and teaching career. Edmundson is adept at finding quotes and telling tales from the English romantic poets, Greek philosophers, and American transcendentalists.

Publishers Weekly

[Edmundson's] especially good on the importance of a writer finding his/her voice and he offers plenty of encouragement. This book is very much a pep talk. The author is an optimistic, enthusiastic cheerleader on the sideline, encouraging us to sit down and try.

Kirkus

Why Write? ponders why so many people try their hand at something that can be so time consuming and contain so many pitfalls, and Edmundson offers satisfying answers for readers and writers alike.

Shelf Awareness

The latest in Edmundson's continuing noble effort to defend intellectual seriousness against triviality.

Gerald Graff, author of CLUELESS IN ACADEME

So much more than a how-to book, Why Write? is Professor Edmundson's lifelong meditation on the meaning of writing and existence.

David Clemens, Founder and Coordinator, Monterey Peninsula College Great Books Program