USC Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III called Corwin “a true legend.” “His insightful, inspiring body of work has been absorbed into the American consciousness. He gave us the benefit of his knowledge, wit and keen observations through many decades, and he was a literary treasure.”
At a 100th birthday celebration thrown for Corwin at USC Annenberg last year, Wilson quoted Corwin from an oral history he had shared with Annenberg professor Bryce Nelson on his 95th birthday, according to the USC Annenberg website. Corwin had said:
“My approach is distinct from that of searching only for what’s wrong. I lay heavy emphasis on what is right because that too often escapes the awareness of a writer..I also place emphasis on rewriting, on the theory that all first drafts are trash. And that applies to my own first drafts. I think it’s terribly important to read, to watch television and movies, and listen to radio, to read books, magazines, newspapers, even when the material is poor. A student should learn what makes it poor.
“In sum, I urge my students to read widely. I believe in the benefits of intellectual osmosis.” Read More »