At first glance, the idea of a book that never uses the letter "e" may seem impossible. After all, the letter "e" is the most commonly used letter in the English language, and it appears in nearly every word. However, author Ernest Vincent Wright managed to accomplish this feat in his book "Gadsby," which was published in 1939.
The Inspiration Behind "Gadsby"
Ernest Vincent Wright was inspired to write "Gadsby" after a conversation with friends about the importance of the letter "e" in the English language. Wright wanted to prove that a book could be written without using this letter, and he set out to write "Gadsby" to prove his point.
The Plot of "Gadsby"
"Gadsby" is a novel about a small town in the United States called Branton Hills. John Gadsby, the main character, is a young man who is passionate about improving his community. He becomes the mayor of Branton Hills and sets out to make a positive difference in the town.
The book follows Gadsby's efforts to improve the town and the challenges he faces along the way. Despite the lack of the letter "e," Wright manages to tell a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The Writing Process
Writing a book without using the letter "e" was no small feat. Wright had to be extremely careful with every word he wrote, making sure that none of them contained the forbidden letter. He used a typewriter with the "e" key removed to help him avoid accidentally using the letter.
Wright also had to be creative in his use of language. He used synonyms, alternative spellings, and even made up words to avoid using the letter "e." The result is a book that is a testament to Wright's skill as a writer and his determination to prove that a book could be written without using the letter "e."
The Reception of "Gadsby"
When "Gadsby" was first published in 1939, it received mixed reviews. Some people were impressed with Wright's feat of writing a book without the letter "e," while others found the book difficult to read and criticized it for being too gimmicky.
Over time, however, "Gadsby" has become a cult classic among literary enthusiasts. It is considered a unique and innovative work of literature, and it continues to inspire writers to push the boundaries of what is possible with language.
Conclusion
Ernest Vincent Wright's "Gadsby" is a remarkable achievement in the world of literature. By writing a book without using the letter "e," Wright proved that anything is possible with determination and creativity. "Gadsby" may not be for everyone, but it is a testament to the power of language and the human spirit.