I have to admit that on certain websites, I don’t really pay much attention. I scan the articles that I usually scan and don’t spend a lot of time focusing on whatever gimmick they’ve trotted out this particular week.
But I did notice the incredibly cool SI Vault on Sports Illustrated’s website. And the thing that grabbed my attention? A 1955 William Faulkner article about hockey. Interesting stuff indeed.
That is interesting. Faulkner’s style is both poetic and frustrating at the same time, beautiful and elegant but maddening, too. Even when he writes about ice hockey of all things this holds true. I have to admit I was always partial to Hemingway back in my literature classes. While no less meaningful, he had a much more direct style.
faulkner is a literary hero, and i had heard about his sports illustrated exploits, but never seen them until now. his kentucky derby account is truly classic; it reads like “a rose for emily.” who says you can’t learn anything by reading sportswriters?