Loss of a Great American Writer (00:54)

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At the time of his death in 1988, Raymond Carver had recovered from alcoholism and bankruptcy to achieve literary success in just a decade.

"Bridle" (02:02)

Hear an excerpt from Carver's 1982 short story "Bridle" about a waitress with big dreams. He discusses his working class subjects in a 1985 interview.

Writing about America's Poor (02:14)

Jay McInerney and Richard Ford discuss how Carver drew upon his own background to create working class characters.

"Nobody Said Anything" (01:53)

Carver reads an excerpt from "Nobody Said Anything." View photos from his young adulthood.

Emigrating West (02:35)

Carver describes how his parents moved from Arkansas to Washington during the Depression. His aunt and uncle recall details of the journey.

Carver's Childhood (03:57)

Family members share their expectations for Carver. His mother, Ella describes her husband's alcoholism and fathering skills; Ray reflects on their relationship.

Teenage Literary Talent (04:48)

A school friend and a sister-in-law describe Carver's resolve to become a writer. Hear an excerpt from "Bridle" where the protagonist visits a high school counselor.

Disappointed Dreams (03:38)

Carver describes struggling to provide for his family while becoming a writer. He began drinking when the children reached adolescence. He and Maryann separated in 1978.

Struggling with Alcoholism (03:26)

Carver joined AA after repeated hospitalizations. Members tell their stories at a meeting and Carver describes the stigma of his addiction.

"Why Don't You Dance?" (07:41)

View a dramatization of Carver's 1978 story, in which the protagonist sells his furniture to a young couple while he is drinking. Carver explains the final two lines of the story.

Carver's Second Life (01:32)

After quitting alcohol, Carver published 12 books in a decade and was compared to Hemingway and Steinbeck. He married poet Tess Gallagher and resettled in the Northwest.

"Feathers" (02:32)

Gallagher reads an excerpt from Carver's 1984 story "Feathers" and discusses how he used direct life references in his writing.

Carver's Creative Process (02:16)

Jay McInerney describes the author's deliberation over word choice, editing style, and persistent approach to writing.

"Nobody Said Anything" (06:50)

Richard Ford and Morris Bond recall Carver's fishing expeditions. View a dramatization of Carver's story in which a woman gives a teenage boy a ride to Bridge Creek.

Carver's Final Years (01:13)

Tess Gallagher describes Carver's process of self-acceptance as a recovering alcoholic and buying a dream home together.

"Errand" (02:49)

Hear an excerpt from Carver's 1987 work. Gallagher describes his links to Chekhov, including predicting his own death.

Carver's Death (03:26)

Richard Ford describes Carver's attitude toward mortality. Tess Gallagher recalls her wedding and Carver's sense of writing accomplishment; view newspaper articles announcing his passing.

"Its Course" (04:14)

Richard Ford and Morris Bond discuss losing Carver. Hear an excerpt from Carver's 1985 story "Its Course."

Credits: Raymond Carver: Dreams Are What You Wake Up From (00:53)

Credits: Raymond Carver: Dreams Are What You Wake Up From