Tony Hillerman
Tony Hillerman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Anthony Louis "Tony" Hillerman was born on May 27, 1925, in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma. He is commonly known as Tony Hillerman.
Birth and Death Dates
May 27, 1925 - October 26, 2008
Nationality and Profession(s)
American novelist, journalist, and educator
Hillerman was an American writer of mystery novels, best known for his Navajo Tribal Police mysteries. He also worked as a journalist and professor of English.
Early Life and Background
Tony Hillerman grew up in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, where he developed a strong connection to the land and its people. His early life was marked by a love for storytelling, which would later become a defining characteristic of his writing career. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. After the war, Hillerman attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor's degree.
Major Accomplishments
Hillerman's writing career spanned over four decades, producing numerous award-winning novels and essays. Some of his notable works include:
The Navajo Tribal Police series
+ People of Darkness (1990)
+ Skinwalkers (1986)
+ The Blessing Way (1970)
Standalone novels
+ Listening Woman (1978)
+ Dance Hall of the Dead (1973)
Notable Works or Actions
Hillerman's writing often focused on the intersection of Native American culture and the justice system. He drew inspiration from his own experiences as a journalist, working in New Mexico and Arizona, where he developed close relationships with Navajo people.
In addition to his literary achievements, Hillerman also received numerous awards for his contributions to the world of mystery writing. Some notable recognitions include:
Macavity Award (Best Novel) for Listening Woman (1978)
Edgar Award (Best First Novel) for The Blessing Way (1971)
Impact and Legacy
Tony Hillerman's impact on literature is undeniable, particularly in the realm of mystery writing. His portrayal of the Navajo Tribal Police has been praised for its authenticity and respect for Native American culture.
His legacy extends beyond his written works; he helped pave the way for future generations of Native American writers. In recognition of his contributions to American literature, Hillerman was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 1991.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tony Hillerman is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His groundbreaking portrayal of Native American culture in mystery writing
His dedication to preserving the accuracy and respect of indigenous traditions
The impact of his work on the literary world, paving the way for future generations of writers
His commitment to social justice, often addressing themes of racism and inequality through his stories
In 2008, Tony Hillerman passed away at the age of 83. However, his legacy continues to inspire readers around the world.
Quotes by Tony Hillerman
Tony Hillerman's insights on:
The first Chapter Law is, “Don’t spend much time on it. You’re going to have to rewrite it.”
The red light changed the color of her shirt, and her faded jeans, and her face. Her hair was disheveled, her expression intent, and, taken all together, she looked absolutely beautiful to Jim Chee. It would be a lot better, he thought, if friends didn’t look like that.
By whiteman’s standards, Leaphorn thought, Bowlegs had a net worth of maybe one hundred dollars. The white world’s measure of his life. And what would the Navajo measure be? The Dinee made a harder demand – that man find his place in the harmony of things.
Beyond meeting simple immediate needs, the Navajo Way placed little worth on property. In fact, being richer than one’s clansmen carried with it a social stigma. It was unnatural, and therefore suspicious.
Don’t think a man don’t care about one goat because he’s got a thousand of ’em,” Hosteen Nakai would say. “He’s got a thousand because he cares more about goats than he cares about his relatives.
Having grown up in Oklahoma when it was one of the last states which prohibited liquor, I grew up with War On Drugs, where every teenager knew who the bootleggers were.
I hear you’re a medicine man. I heard you are a singer of the Blessing Way. Is that right?” Chee looked slightly stubborn. “Yes sir,” he said. “I would like to ask you to sing one for me,” Leaphorn said.
Terrible drought, crops dead, sheep dying. Spring dried up. No water. The Hopi, and the Christian, maybe the Moslem, they pray for rain. The Navajo has the proper ceremony done to restore himself to harmony with the drought. You see what I mean. The system is designed to recognize what’s beyond human power to change, and then to change the human’s attitude to be content with the inevitable.” – Tony Hillerman, Sacred Clowns, 1993.
Leaphorn didn’t comment. It was the decision he would have made. Handle it on Navajo time. No reason to rush in there.