The Remarkable Lipogram Novel: Gadsby by Ernest Vincent Wright
One of the most famous examples of a book written entirely without the letter “E” is Gadsby by Ernest Vincent Wright, published in 1939. This 50,000-word lipogrammatic novel tells the story of John Gadsby, a man who revitalizes his declining hometown through youth activism—all while avoiding the most frequently used letter in English. Wright achieved this feat by creatively rephrasing sentences, omitting common words like “the” or “he,” and even tying down the “E” key on his typewriter to prevent mistakes. The book’s linguistic constraint makes it a fascinating study in creativity, though some readers find its prose challenging due to the absence of such a crucial letter.
La Disparition (A Void): A French Literary Masterpiece Without “E”
Another notable work is La Disparition (A Void in English) by Georges Perec, a 1969 French novel that also omits the letter “E.” Inspired by Gadsby, Perec’s mystery thriller explores themes of absence and loss, mirroring its linguistic constraint. The English translation maintains the lipogram, showcasing the adaptability of this literary experiment. Both books are celebrated in constrained writing circles, demonstrating how artistic boundaries can spark innovation. For readers intrigued by unconventional storytelling, these works offer a unique perspective on the power—and limitations—of language.