In 2006 Gass published his sixth collection of essays, A Temple of Texts--originally the title of the exhibition and catalog by the Special Collections of Washington University, to inaugurate the International Writers Center, in 1991. Gass's essay from that catalog was included in the book, as was his memorial for his friend William Gaddis that underwent many adaptations and name changes as it was published (and delivered as an address) in many places.

The William H. Gass Papers contain a complete printout draft of A Temple of Texts, as well as "Memories of Master Gaddis." In 2001, Ken Botnick of Washington University designed two limited edition books of the essay, "In Defense of the Book," both available in the Special Collections. This essay was first published in Harper's Magazine and later collected in A Temple of Texts.

<em>A Temple of Texts: Fifty Literary Pillars</em>

A Temple of Texts: Fifty Literary Pillars: An exhibit to inaugurate the International Writers Center, Special Collections, Olin Library, Washington University, 1991

"Memories of Master Gaddis" - Address

"Memories of Master Gaddis," an address given to the Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, later adapted as "William Gaddis and His Goddamn Books" in A Temple of Texts

"Dis.covery" - Early Draft of "In Defense of the Book"
"Dis.covery" - Early Draft of "In Defense of the Book"
<em>A Defense of the Book</em> covers

A Defense of the Book covers

"In Defense of the Book" Presentation

Invitation to "In Defense of the Book" presentation at the Washington University Houston Club, March 2, 1999

<em>A Temple of Texts: Essays</em> Paperback Cover

Temple of Text cover of first paperback edition