Writers on the Spectrum : How Autism and Asperger Syndrome Have Influenced Literary Writing

From Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale characters to Lewis Carroll's "Wonderland" and Emily Dickinson's poetic imagery, the writings and lives of some of the world's most celebrated authors indicate signs of autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Through analysis of biographies, autobiographies, letters and diaries, Professor Julie Brown identifies literary talents who display characteristics of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and uncovers the similarities in their writing that suggest atypical, autistic brains. Providing close readings of authors' works, Brown explores writing processes, content, theme, structure and writing style to reveal the underlying autistic traits that have influenced their writing. The book provides an overview of ASD and common threads in autistic writing followed by an illuminating exploration of how these threads are evident in the literature of both well-known and lesser known authors. This groundbreaking study of autism in literature will be of interest to anyone with a professional or personal interest in literature or the autistic mind. Writers on the Spectrum: How Autism and Asperger Syndrome have Influenced Literary Writing......Page 4 Contents......Page 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......Page 8 PREFACE ......Page 9 1. Introduction ......Page 15 2. Hans Christian Andersen ......Page 39 3. Henry David Thoreau ......Page 61 4. Herman Melville ......Page 83 5. Emily Dickinson ......Page 97 6. Lewis Carroll ......Page 119 7. William Butler Yeats ......Page 141 8. Sherwood Anderson ......Page 161 9. Opal Whiteley ......Page 183 10. Autistic Autobiography ......Page 205 FURTHER READING ......Page 233 Hans Christian Andersen -- Henry David Thoreau -- Herman Melville -- Emily Dickinson -- Lewis Carroll -- William Butler Yeats -- Sherwood Anderson -- Opal Whiteley -- Autistic Autobiography. Julie Brown. Includes Bibliographical References.