William Maxwell Quotes
William Maxwell (1908-2000) was an American novelist, editor, and short story writer. He is best known for his novels “So Long, See You Tomorrow” and “The Folded Leaf,” which explore themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Maxwell also served as t…Read More
William Maxwell (1908-2000) was an American novelist, editor, and short story writer. He is best known for his novels “So Long, See You Tomorrow” and “The Folded Leaf,” which explore themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Maxwell also served as the fiction editor for The New Yorker for over 40 years, where he worked with notable authors such as J.D. Salinger and John Updike. He received numerous awards for his writing, including the National Book Award and the American Book Award. Maxwell’s writing is characterized by its elegant prose and keen insight into the human experience.Read Less
William Maxwell (1908-2000) was an American novelist, editor, and short story writer. He is best known for his novels “So Long, See You Tomorrow” and “The Folded Leaf,” which explore themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Maxwell also served as the fiction editor for The New Yorker for over 40 years, where he worked with notable authors such as J.D. Salinger and John Updike. He received numerous awards for his writing, including the National Book Award and the American Book Award. Maxwell’s writing is characterized by its elegant prose and keen insight into the human experience.
William Maxwell Career Highlights
- William Maxwell was an American novelist, editor, and short story writer.
- He was born on August 16, 1908, in Lincoln, Illinois.
- Maxwell attended the University of Illinois and Harvard University.
- He worked as an editor at The New Yorker for over 40 years, from 1936 to 1975.
- Maxwell published six novels and numerous short stories during his career.
- He received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 1982.
Key Contributions by William Maxwell
- Maxwell’s most famous novel, “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1980.
- He was known for his precise and elegant writing style, often exploring themes of memory, loss, and family relationships.
- Maxwell’s work has been praised for its emotional depth and subtle exploration of human nature.
- As an editor at The New Yorker, Maxwell helped shape the careers of many famous writers, including J.D. Salinger and John Cheever.
What Sets William Maxwell Apart
- Maxwell’s writing is often compared to that of his friend and mentor, Eudora Welty.
- He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.
- Maxwell’s work has been described as both timeless and deeply rooted in the American experience.
- He was also known for his humility and dedication to his craft, often revising his work multiple times before publication.
Takeaways
- William Maxwell’s writing continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless themes.
- His contributions as an editor at The New Yorker helped shape the landscape of American literature.
- Maxwell’s legacy lives on through his novels, short stories, and the writers he mentored.
- He remains a beloved and influential figure in the literary world.
Other People
Writer/Author
Author
1882 - 1956
Author
· Canada
1843 - 1919
Author
1933
