Misc.: Dow Mossman

Dow Mossman of Iowa is one of those rare individuals who writes a highly successful novel, then drops out of sight. Soon after earning an M.F.A. at the Iowa Writers' workshop, Mossman produced a coming-of-age novel published in 1972 under the title The Stones of Summer.

The effort that went into the book took a lot out of the thoughtful-looking, mustache-sporting writer, and he went into a sanitorium to recover, then became pretty much a recluse. He has variously worked in Cedar Rapids as a welder and in the circulation department of a newspaper. He is said to be working on other book projects, frequently writing on his home's porch.

In 2002, Mossman was the subject of a documentary, Stone Reader, filmed by Mark Moskowitz. This film revived interest in the book.