This "highly readable work of literary history" (New York Times Book Review) is the first to explore the professional and personal life of editor extraordinaire Maxwell Petkins -- guiding light for such stellar literary figures as E Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, and many more. Meticulously researched, surprisingly revealing, and highly praised by critics, it earned the National Book Award for Biography -- a testament not only to its impeccable scholarship but to its extraordinarily accessible prose. Packed with anecdotes from the age of giants, this unique work will not only inspire writers, editors, and book lovers, but anyone interested in learning more about the genius behind the scenes, who "turns out to be as fascinating, dark, complex, and sad as any of his golden boys" (Russell Baker).