Peter De Vries
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Peter De Vries was born as Peter Van der Meer on February 22, 1910, in Chicago, Illinois. He is commonly known by his pen name, Peter De Vries.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born: February 22, 1910, in Chicago, Illinois
Died: March 28, 1993, in New York City

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Peter De Vries was an American novelist, journalist, and essayist. He is best known for his witty and satirical writings.

Early Life and Background

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De Vries grew up in a family of modest means on the South Side of Chicago. His father, Abraham Van der Meer, worked as a jeweler's assistant. Peter's mother, Helen De Vries, was a homemaker who instilled in him a love for reading and writing.

As a young boy, De Vries was fascinated by literature and began writing his own stories at the age of 10. He attended local schools, including Chicago's Englewood High School, where he developed his skills as a writer and editor.

In 1928, De Vries moved to New York City with his family, where he studied English literature at Columbia University. However, he dropped out of college to pursue a career in writing, driven by the desire to become a novelist.

Major Accomplishments

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De Vries's first novel, _The Tailor, was published in 1937. He went on to write more than 40* novels and numerous short stories, essays, and articles for various publications.

Some of his notable works include:

_Consuelo_ (1948)
_The Blood of the Beast_ (1950)
_But They All Laughed at Christopher Columbus_ (1962), a satirical novel that won the National Book Award
_Reuben, Reuben_ (1964)

De Vries's writing often explored themes of social commentary, politics, and human nature. His works were known for their humor, wit, and insight into the complexities of American society.

Notable Works or Actions

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Throughout his career, De Vries was recognized with numerous awards and honors. Some notable recognitions include:

National Book Award (1962) for _But They All Laughed at Christopher Columbus_
O. Henry Memorial Award (1951) for _The Blood of the Beast_

De Vries's writing has been widely praised by critics and readers alike. He was a respected figure in American literature, known for his unique voice and perspective.

Impact and Legacy

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Peter De Vries's impact on American literature is significant. His writings continue to be widely read and studied today, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and society.

De Vries's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions. He was a pioneer in using humor and satire to address social issues, paving the way for future writers to tackle similar themes.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Peter De Vries is widely quoted or remembered due to his:

Innovative writing style, which blended humor with social commentary
Unique perspective on American society, politics, and human nature
Prolific output, having written more than 40 novels and numerous short stories, essays, and articles

De Vries's works continue to be widely read and studied today, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and society. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of literature to challenge and inspire us.