The Algren Treasure, The Shay Salute

With one of the most important salutes to the Nelson Algren centennial set for Monday, The Chicago Tribune has just published a review of some posthumously published Algren work, Entrapment and Other Writings,  and a feature by Rick Kogan on some Algren memories. Here's Kogan on Art Shay:

There is no one alive who knew Algren and his work more intimately than photographer/writer Art Shay, whose steady parade of books gild his pal's legend at the same time that they provide firsthand insight. Many years ago Shay told me, "Nelson blew a lot of books that we should have had. But what he wrote is a treasure."

Can't argue that, on any score.

Algren was a gifted pro. Shay himself takes aim at the giftless amateurs in an essay for Swans.com, concluding with a call for a new reality show:

Here's a free suggestion for some network. A great big amateur hour for America's newly unemployed. Title: American Idle.

Comments

[debra brehmer]

Hi: I am trying to reach Art Shay's assistant who lives in Wisconsin. She contacted me a few months ago, and I lost the contact information. My name is Debra Brehmer, Portrait Society, 414.870.9930, in Milwaukee. Thank you!