Agee: A Knoxville Favorite Son Holiday Gift Idea

by Pat Fox

Knoxville author James Agee

We are talking now of summer evenings in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the time that I lived there so successfully disguised to myself as a child. -- James Agee

One of Knoxville’s most famous citizens was Pulitzer Prize winning novelist, screenwriter and critic James Agee. So it would make sense to give an Agee-themed holiday gift to any proud fellow citizen.

For literary fans or anyone who appreciates local talent, why not put together a gift of his works? Make a basket of videos of his movie works, a volume of his poetry, a novel or two and something nonfiction, maybe with a nice bottle of wine. The internet is a great way to find a bargain on books and videos or just to locate something old and rare. Show your Knoxville pride and improve your mind at the same time!

Some quick info to help you get started: Agee was born at the corner of Highland Ave. and 15th, later renamed James Agee St., in 1909.

He attended Harvard and delivered the commencement address at his graduation, after beginning a writing career as a student. He wrote for “Time”, “Fortune” and “The Nation” and wrote a book of poetry published in 1934.

His novel, “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” was published in 1941, and his 1957 posthumously published “A Death in the Family” won the Pulitizer Prize.

His screen writing credits included “The African Queen” and “The Night of the Hunter.”

You can read more about these and other works in this University of Tennessee article about him and an exhibit held to honor him. There’s a good article about Agee on Wikipedia as well with more links and more of his works.

Have fun, and Happy Holidays!