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Civilization (novel)

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Civilization, and Its Part in My Downfall
First edition
AuthorPaul Quarrington
LanguageEnglish
GenreNovel
PublisherRandom House Canada
Publication date
1994
Publication placeCanada
Media typePrint (Hardback)
Pages309 pp
Preceded byLogan in Overtime 
Followed byThe Spirit Cabinet 

Civilization, and Its Part in My Downfall is a novel by Canadian writer Paul Quarrington, published in 1994 by Random House Canada.[1]

Set during the early days of the film industry in Hollywood, the novel centres on Thom Moss, a onetime silent film star who is now in prison and is writing his personal account of his rise and fall.[2] Characters who play a role in his story include J.D.D. Jensen, a Western fiction author who first introduces him to the film industry; Caspar Willison, a D. W. Griffith-like film director who first makes Moss a star but ultimately destroys him by refusing to give him a role in the planned epic film Civilization; Jefferson Foote, Willison's one-armed screenwriter and Moss's best friend in the industry; and Thespa Doone, Moss's frequent costar and love interest.[3]

Although favourably reviewed by critics, the novel sold poorly, which pushed Quarrington to concentrate more actively on film and television writing.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "A mythically proportioned Civilization". The Globe and Mail, September 24, 1994.
  2. ^ "Civilization doesn't let truth get in way of good story". Montreal Gazette, October 22, 1994.
  3. ^ "Quarrington offers rare and prized gifts; Civilization is challenging yet full of humor and fun". Ottawa Citizen, September 25, 1994.
  4. ^ "Out of the ravine". Quill & Quire, April 2008.