William Maxwell
William Maxwell
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Maxwell was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and editor, best known for his poignant and insightful writings about human relationships.
Birth and Death Dates
Maxwell was born on August 6, 1908, in Chiniki, Alberta, Canada, to a family of Irish-Scottish descent. He passed away on July 9, 2000, at the age of 91, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of America's most celebrated writers.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Maxwell held dual citizenship of both Canada and the United States. Throughout his career, he worked as a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and editor for various publications, including _The New Yorker_.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued literature and storytelling, Maxwell developed a passion for writing at an early age. He spent much of his childhood moving between Canada and the United States, which later influenced his exploration of themes related to identity, belonging, and human connection in his works.
Maxwell's father was a Canadian businessman who eventually relocated to the United States, where he worked as a bank executive. The family settled in Illinois, where Maxwell attended high school before enrolling at St. Albans School in Washington D.C. He later studied at Princeton University, graduating with honors in 1931.
Major Accomplishments
Maxwell's writing career spanned over six decades and earned him numerous accolades for his novels, short stories, and essays. Some of his most notable works include:
_They Came Like Swallows_ (1937), a novel that explores the complexities of family relationships through the eyes of a young boy struggling to cope with the loss of his mother.
_The Folded Leaf_ (1945), a coming-of-age story that delves into the inner struggles and emotions experienced by its protagonist as he navigates adolescence.
* _So Long, See You Tomorrow_ (1969), a novel that masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads to create a poignant exploration of human relationships and the power of storytelling.
Notable Works or Actions
Maxwell's contributions extend beyond his literary works. He was also an accomplished editor, serving as fiction editor for _The New Yorker_ from 1944 to 1976. During this period, he played a crucial role in shaping the magazine's distinctive style and tone by championing emerging writers and fostering innovative storytelling.
In addition to his work with _The New Yorker_, Maxwell was also a prominent member of the literary community. He served as president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters from 1976 to 1985, where he helped promote artistic excellence and fostered dialogue between different disciplines.
Impact and Legacy
Maxwell's influence on contemporary literature is profound. His nuanced portrayals of human relationships, coupled with his innovative narrative techniques, have inspired generations of writers. His work continues to captivate readers worldwide, not only for its timeless themes but also for the masterful craftsmanship that underlies each story.
The quote often attributed to Maxwell – "The great thing about being a writer is that you can write from anywhere" – encapsulates his dedication to storytelling and his ability to transcend geographical boundaries through his words. His enduring legacy as a writer, editor, and mentor serves as a testament to the power of literature in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Maxwell's work remains widely read and studied due to its depth and complexity, which continue to resonate with readers today. His unflinching portrayal of human relationships, coupled with his innovative narrative techniques, has earned him a place among America's most celebrated writers.
As a writer, editor, and mentor, Maxwell left an indelible mark on the literary world. His contributions – through both his published works and his behind-the-scenes efforts as an editor – have helped shape the course of contemporary literature, making him an enduring figure in the world of letters.
Quotes by William Maxwell
When she gets into bed and the springs creak under her weight, she groans with the pleasure of lying stretched out on an object that understands her so well.
If the Lowland farmer spoke with an uncouth accent, dressed in rags, lived in a miserable hovel, and fed on the same grain he fed his animals, it was not because he was a savage but because the relentless marauding of the English left him with very little choice. As for why he didn’t simply cut his throat, the answer is that he was a Presbyterian and did not expect much in the way of earthly happiness.
The nail doesn’t choose the time or the circumstances in which it is drawn to the magnet.
Between the way things used to be and the way they were now was a void that couldn’t be crossed.
If I had had to write only about imaginary people, I would have had to close up my typewriter. I wrote about my life in less and less disguise as I grew older, and finally with no disguise – except the disguise we create for ourselves, which is self-deception.
My father represented authority, which meant – to me – that he could not also represent understanding.
The music of Beethoven’s Fidelio always rises up in my mind when I think of that meeting in the forest, and my throat constricts with an emotion that is, I’m afraid, purely factitious – unless feelings are more a part of our physical inheritance than is commonly believed, in which case it is Mary Edie’s joy, unquenchable, passed on, and then passed on again, generation after generation, along with the color of eyes and the shape of hands and characteristic habits of mind and temperament.
