James Olney

James was a founding--and foundational--critic in autobiography studies and a writer of luminous intelligence and discernment. Although I did not know him well, his work, from his ground-breaking Metaphors of Self (1972) onward, served as mentorship for me in the field. A scholar who was open to a wide range of inquiry and welcoming of women and minority scholars, James was a nurturing and inspiring presence, combining the authority of his wide-ranging knowledge with remarkable kindness and...

For years I have wanted to meet James Olney and thank him for inspiring my doctoral dissertation at the University of London. "Metaphors of Self" continues to inform and inspire all I do as an academic and, perhaps to a greater extent, my life. In my living ignorance I am deeply saddened to learn of his death and shocked to learn he lived so close to me. I would love to have met him and thanked him in person. His loss is indeed a great loss of 'the self' in literary criticism. If God so...

We at a/b: Auto/Biography Studies are deeply saddened by the loss of such a profoundly influential scholar, mentor, and friend. Our deepest sympathies, Ricia and Emily

This is a loss to all of us interested in not only Life Writing but also
American Literature.

James was a wonderful scholar/teacher and a wonderful human being. Our lives would have been much poorer without him.

James Olney's 1980 anthology on autobiography was the portal to what became my scholarly focus for many years. When I met him in person, I was struck by his capacity for listening and his gentle demeanor. I am grateful for his generous reading of my first book in manuscript. A great scholar and colleague -- my sympathies to his family and all who will miss him.

This is a terrible loss to the entire Autobiography community. James was a great scholar and an extraordinary human being. Sincere condolences and sympathy,
Suzette Henke
Morton Professor Emerita
University of Louisville

James was my inspiration ever since we were fellows at the National Humanities Center. He put autobiography studies on a global map and generated one of the major fields of scholarship in the humanities. Deep felt sympathies to his family. Not only the autobiography community will miss him. Alfred

James was such an inspiration to young scholars and to us all. His talks, seminars and speeches made us reflect on life. He will be missed. May he rest in Perfect peace.