I’m a big fan of comic novels about Colleges and Professors (Kingsley Amis’ Lucky Jim, Dear Committee Members and The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher) so Foolscap by Michael Malone immediately appealed to me. Theo Ryan, professor of Renaissance Drama at elite Cavendish College in North Carolina (think Duke), has written a play about the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh titled Foolscap.
Theo is supposed to be working on the biography of local celebrity playwright, Joshua Ford Rexford. Redford has won numerous literary prizes for his plays–Tonys, Pulitzer Prizes, etc.–but he’s broke because of his wild spending and the costs of his four former wives. Theo shows Rexford his draft of Foolscap and that unleashes a wacky plot that blends forgery, fakery, and an affair with a graduate student. Along the way, Michael Malone captures the politics of College departments and the in-fighting within the College Administration. If you’re in the mood for a fun romp in academia, Foolscap delivers plenty of laughs. GRADE: B+
Enjoyed this one a lot. I’m a big fan of Malone especially Handling Sin. I also recommend a similar type novel by Richard Russo called Straight Man.
Steve, you have excellent taste in books! I’m a fan of Michael Malone and Richard Russo, too. Loved STRAIGHT MAN!
I read the three book series comprised of “Uncivil Seasons”, “Times Witness”, and “First Lady”. Loved the first two, but the third wasn’t as good. A friend with pretty good taste has told me that “Handling Sin” is the funniest book he’s ever read, and I hope to get to it eventually. Now I’ll add “Foolscap” to the list.
Michael, I have a copy of HANDLING SIN nearby. I’ll dive into it as soon as the fog from the Post-Op drugs lifts.
David Lodge is another who writes fun academic books.
I’ve read several of Malone’s books – the Cuddy Mangum & Justin Saville books – but somehow missed this one.
Jeff, I’ve read most of David Lodge’s books. You’re right about them being fun academic novels. I also have Lodge’s book about his growing deafness. I’m sure that won’t be funny at all.
Sounds like something to read in a light mood.
Rick, the dynamics of academia and the farcical English Department in FOOLSCAP are both accurate and funny!