Meaning: The quote "That was par for the course but I also found that commissions were being canceled and in fact I considered this directly libelous - I write biographies for a living as well as being a journalist - for a non-fiction book to be called fiction from beginning to end" by Anthony Holden, a journalist and biographer, reflects his frustration with the cancellation of commissions and the misrepresentation of non-fiction as fiction.

Anthony Holden is a renowned British journalist and author known for his biographies, memoirs, and writings on gambling and the arts. In the quote, Holden expresses his dissatisfaction with the situation he encountered, highlighting the cancellation of commissions and the mislabeling of non-fiction works as fiction.

The phrase "par for the course" is an idiomatic expression meaning that something is typical or expected in a given situation. In this context, Holden may be referring to encountering challenges or obstacles that are commonplace in his line of work. The cancellation of commissions could be seen as a setback or a common occurrence in the publishing industry, which he has come to expect.

Holden's assertion that he considered the situation "directly libelous" indicates the seriousness of the matter to him. Libel is a legally actionable offense that involves the publication of false information that harms a person's reputation. In this case, Holden seems to be suggesting that the misrepresentation of non-fiction as fiction could have negative implications for his professional reputation as a biographer and journalist.

As a writer of biographies, Holden's concern about non-fiction being called fiction "from beginning to end" underscores the importance of accuracy and integrity in his work. Non-fiction literature is based on factual events and information, and mislabeling it as fiction could undermine the credibility of the author and the work itself. Holden's dedication to his craft and his commitment to upholding the truth in his writing are evident in this statement.

It is important to note that this quote provides insight into the challenges and ethical considerations that authors and journalists face in the literary world. The cancellation of commissions and the misrepresentation of non-fiction works can have significant professional and personal implications for writers, especially those like Holden, who have built their careers on producing factual and well-researched content.

In summary, Anthony Holden's quote reflects his frustration with the cancellation of commissions and the mislabeling of non-fiction works as fiction. It highlights his dedication to upholding the integrity of non-fiction writing and the potential impact of such misrepresentations on his professional reputation. This quote sheds light on the challenges and ethical considerations that writers and journalists encounter in their careers.