Louis Auchincloss
Louis Auchincloss: A Master of American Literature
Full Name and Common Aliases
Louis Stanton Auchincloss was born on September 27, 1917, in Lawrence, New York. He is often referred to by his initials, LSA.
Birth and Death Dates
September 27, 1917 – January 23, 2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
Auchincloss was an American novelist, short story writer, memoirist, and lawyer. His work spanned multiple genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest chroniclers of American society.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a wealthy family on Long Island's North Shore, Auchincloss was exposed to the social hierarchies and nuances that would later become central themes in his writing. He attended Groton School and then Yale University, where he studied history. After graduating from law school at New York University, Auchincloss began practicing law while pursuing a career as a writer.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his life, Auchincloss was recognized for his remarkable literary contributions:
He published over 50 novels and numerous short stories, memoirs, and essays.
His work often explored the complexities of American social classes, making him one of the most insightful chroniclers of the country's upper echelons.
Auchincloss was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
"The Indifferent Children" (1939): His first novel, which received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the lives of wealthy families.
"Patriach's Daughter" (1961): A novel that examined the complexities of American aristocracy through the story of a family's matriarch.
"A World of Chance" (1952): A collection of short stories that showcased Auchincloss' ability to capture the essence of human experience.
Impact and Legacy
Louis Auchincloss' writing has left an indelible mark on American literature:
His commitment to exploring the intricacies of social class has provided readers with a unique perspective on the American experience.
Through his work, he has shed light on the lives of those often overlooked or underrepresented in literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Auchincloss is widely quoted and remembered for:
His mastery of capturing the essence of human relationships and experiences.
His commitment to exploring the complexities of American society through his writing.
Quotes by Louis Auchincloss
Which raised the question of whether she had ever loved, or even if she could love. And yet maybe what she felt was what everybody felt; maybe it was only the poets and romantics who had blown it up beyond recognition. Surely.
I was sophisticated enough to know that the written word is no mirror of the writer’s character, that the amateur, though a selfless angel, may show himself a pompous ass, while the professional, a monster of ego, can convince you in a phrase that he has the innocence of a child. I.
It seems to me that the arts are rather flourishing. There’s an awful lot of bad art about because of this, but that’s true of every great era. I’m sure there was a lot dreadful art in the Renaissance that we fortunately don’t see today.
I couldn’t bear to see a chapter of the gospel turned into a chapter of Trollope.
Decent artists go through bad times but eventually they do get recognized. It’s by no means a battle lost. Yet.
Once somebody’s aware of a plot, it’s like a bone sticking out. If it breaks through the skin, it’s very ugly.
As the classes in modern life come together, we have become much more intensely class conscious. It’s a very curious thing. But I deal with human beings with whom I’ve come in contact and have had a chance to closely observe. Their upper-classness is not a matter of particular fascination for me.
Keep doing good deeds long enough, and you’ll probably turn out a good man in spite of yourself.