Mary McCarthy American author and critic Mary McCarthy at her office desk in Paris, June 1967. (more) Wars of Ink and Paper: 9 Feuds That Rocked the Literary World May the battle of wits begin. Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/art/Wars-of-Ink-and-Paper-9-Feuds-That-Rocked-the-Literary-World Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Agathe Demarolle Agathe Demarolle was an Editorial Intern at Encyclopædia Britannica. She is studying at the University of Chicago, where she's majoring in political science and creative writing. She's also a reporter... Agathe Demarolle Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Life is often stranger and wilder than fiction. These nine literary feuds, which involve physical altercations, excommunication, and revenge writing, prove that fact. “Tremendously overrated, a bad writer, and dishonest writer.…I said once in some interview that every word she writes is a lie, including ‘and’ and ‘the.’ ” This is how Mary McCarthy characterized playwright Lillian Hellman during an episode of The Dick Cavett Show that was broadcast in January 1980. What followed was a ferocious legal battle between the two American writers. A few weeks after the episode aired, Hellman sued McCarthy, Dick Cavett, and the producer and ...(100 of 3322 words)

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