Ernest K. Gann
Ernest K. Gann: A Life of Adventure and Storytelling
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ernest Kellogg Gann was born on January 26, 1913, in Iowa City, Iowa, to a family that valued storytelling and adventure. He is commonly known as Ernest K. Gann or E.K. Gann.
Birth and Death Dates
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January 26, 1913 - April 5, 1991
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Gann was an American writer, journalist, aviator, sailor, and lawyer. He spent his life exploring various professions, but writing and storytelling remained his true passion.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means, Gann developed a love for adventure and the sea at a young age. His parents encouraged his curiosity, and he began writing stories as early as 8 years old. Gann's family moved frequently during his childhood, exposing him to diverse cultures and environments that would later influence his writing.
Gann attended Stanford University, where he studied law but soon became more interested in writing for the school newspaper. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer for several years before deciding to pursue a full-time career in journalism. His early experiences as a reporter took him to the front lines of World War II, where he covered the Allied invasion of North Africa.
Major Accomplishments
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Gann's writing career spanned over six decades and produced numerous bestselling novels and non-fiction books. Some of his most notable works include:
The High And The Mighty: A novel about a commercial airliner that experiences catastrophic failure, leading to a harrowing tale of survival.
The Tidewater Tambourine: A historical novel set in the 18th century, exploring themes of piracy and adventure on the high seas.
* Sky River Country: A memoir that recounts Gann's experiences as a pilot during World War II.
Gann's writing often combined elements of fiction and non-fiction, making him a masterful storyteller. His stories were often inspired by his own life experiences, adding an air of authenticity to his work.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his novels and memoirs, Gann was also known for his contributions to the world of aviation. He held multiple pilot's licenses and flew various aircraft throughout his life. His experiences as a pilot and sailor are woven throughout his writing, giving readers a glimpse into the author's adventurous spirit.
Impact and Legacy
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Gann's impact on literature is undeniable. His unique blend of adventure, historical fiction, and memoir has inspired generations of writers and readers alike. His ability to craft compelling stories that blur the lines between fact and fiction has left an indelible mark on the literary world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gann's legacy extends beyond his writing. He was a true adventurer, always seeking new experiences and challenges. His passion for storytelling and his ability to convey the human spirit through his work have made him a beloved figure in literature. As an author, pilot, sailor, and lawyer, Gann embodied the idea that life should be lived to its fullest potential.
Today, readers continue to quote and remember Ernest K. Gann's words because they resonate deeply with our collective desire for adventure, self-discovery, and connection to the human experience. His stories remind us of the power of imagination and the importance of living a life full of purpose and meaning.
Quotes by Ernest K. Gann
Ernest K. Gann's insights on:
The only characteristic all airliners share is that upon proper urging they are normally capable of leaving the earth’s surface.
In referance to flying through thunderstorms; “A pilot may earn his full pay for that year in less than two minutes. At the time of incident he would gladly return the entire amount for the privilege of being elsewhere.
It doesn’t look nearly as big as it did the first time I saw one. Mickey McGuire and I used to sit hour after hour in the cockpit of the one that American used for training, at the company school in Chicago, saying to each other, ‘My God, do you think we’ll ever learn to fly anything this big?’
The men in this book are fictitious characters but their counterparts can be found in cockpits all over the world. Now they are flying a war. Tomorrow they will be flying a peace, for, regardless of the world’s condition, flying is their life.
Electronics were rascals, and they lay awake nights trying to find some way to screw you during the day. You could not reason with them. They had a brain and intestines, but no heart.
The emergencies you train for almost never happen. It’s the one you can’t train for that kills you.
MaCleod, since you’ve flown the SeaBee a lot you’ll understand when I say it was the only airplane I ever owned that you could put in a dive, loose a cylinder and stall out!
There is no more alluring airspace in the world than the slit up a China girl’s dress.
It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.