GoKawiilNew Yorker's David Remnick cultivated decade-long rapport with Philip Roth
David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, built a long personal and professional relationship with novelist Philip Roth, reportedly reading Portnoy's Complaint around twenty times and calling Roth his 'favorite living writer.' In 2003, as Roth turned 70 and received growing acclaim, he gave a rare televised interview to Remnick for a BBC documentary.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The account suggests that literary magazines like The New Yorker often rely on close, cultivated relationships with prominent authors to secure access and content, blurring lines between editorial independence and personal admiration. Remnick's later concern over biographer Blake Bailey's sexual assault allegations, and their effect on Roth's reputation, hints at how closely tied an editor's interests can become to a writer's legacy.
- Philip Roth gave a rare interview to David Remnick for a BBC documentary around his 70th birthday in 2003.
- Remnick has described Roth as his 'favorite living writer' and has long promoted his work in The New Yorker.
- Remnick's concern over allegations against Roth biographer Blake Bailey illustrates his personal investment in Roth's reputation.
Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth — This is the very novel David Remnick read nearly twenty times and the one that made Roth a literary icon. Owning a copy lets you experience firsthand the brash, comic voice discussed in the article. A great entry point into Roth's career-long exploration of desire and identity.
See Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: salmagundi.skidmore.edu, 2026-11-14
Published there as: “Philip Roth and David Remnick getting personal (2001)”
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