Robert Littell
Robert Littell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Littell is often referred to as the "master of spy fiction," a nod to his extensive work in the espionage genre.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 7, 1935
Died: October 27, 2019
Nationality and Profession(s)
Littell was an American novelist known for his prolific output in the fields of espionage fiction, historical fiction, and literary fiction. Throughout his career, he published over 20 novels.
Early Life and Background
Born to a Jewish family in New York City, Littell's early life was marked by a strong interest in history and politics. He attended Harvard University, where he developed a passion for literature and writing. After graduating from Harvard, Littell worked as an editor before turning his focus to full-time writing.
Major Accomplishments
Some of Littell's most notable works include:
The Defection (1968): A novel about a Russian defector that explores themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Ordinary Heroes (1979): A World War II novel that follows a group of American soldiers as they navigate the complexities of war.
* The Debriefing (1980): A spy thriller that delves into the world of Cold War espionage.
Notable Works or Actions
Littell's writing often explored themes of morality, loyalty, and the human condition. His works frequently featured complex characters navigating the gray areas between good and evil. In addition to his novels, Littell also worked as a freelance writer, contributing articles to publications such as The New Yorker.
Impact and Legacy
Littell's contributions to literature are multifaceted. His exploration of espionage fiction expanded the genre, pushing readers to think critically about the world of spies and surveillance. Through his historical novels, he offered powerful explorations of the human experience during times of war and turmoil.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Littell's quotes often offer insight into the complexities of human nature. His writing encourages readers to question their assumptions and engage with the world around them. As a masterful storyteller, Littell's works continue to captivate audiences, making him one of the most remembered figures in espionage fiction.
As an author who navigated the complexities of human experience through his writing, Robert Littell left an indelible mark on the literary world. His exploration of themes such as loyalty, morality, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers today.
Quotes by Robert Littell
Should you start with a hypothesis and analyze data in a way that supported it, or start with the data and sift through it for a useful hypothesis?
Let there be light! said God, and there was light! Let there be blood! says man, and there’s a sea!
The difference between and amateur and a professional... a professional believes if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. An amateur believes if a job is worth doing, it very well may be worth doing badly.
It’s a mistake to possess comfortable things,” he said now. “Soft couches, big beds, large bath tubs, the like. Because if nothing is comfortable you don’t settle in; you keep moving. And if you keep moving, you have a better chance of staying ahead of the people who are trying to catch up with you.
In Russia we have a proverb – it is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
If you are stupid enough to dine with the devil, for Christ’s sake use a long spoon.
The difference between and amateur and a professional.. a professional believes if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. An amateur believes if a job is worth doing, it very well may be worth doing badly.
