Glendon Swarthout, a literary luminary of his era, showcased an unparalleled versatility in his writing, crafting a diverse repertoire of 16 novels that traversed the vast expanse of literary genres, deftly oscillating between the dramatic, the comedic, the romantic, and the mysterious. Furthermore, in a testament to his collaborative spirit, he co-authored six novellas for young adults alongside his wife, Kathryn, thus underscoring his dedication to nurturing a love of literature in the next generation.
Glendon Swarthout
Born on August 8, 1918, in Pocatello, Idaho, Glendon Swarthout was the son of a railroad worker. He grew up in a family that valued education, and his parents encouraged his early interest in writing. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Swarthout went on to earn his master's degree in English literature from Stanford University.
Swarthout's writing career spanned over four decades, during which he published 16 novels and six novellas. His work often explored themes of family, relationships, and the human condition, and was characterized by its wit, humor, and insight into the complexities of human nature.
In addition to his literary achievements, Swarthout was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught creative writing at several universities, including the University of Oregon and the University of Arizona, and was known for his ability to inspire and guide his students.
Glendon Swarthout passed away on August 23, 1992, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to be celebrated and read by audiences around the world.
Dr. Glendon's literary accomplishments are truly remarkable, with numerous novels achieving widespread popularity, resulting in a lasting impact on the literary world. Many of these novels have been so well-received that they continue to be widely available in bookstores and libraries globally, with various book club editions and reprints of paperback editions still being sought after by readers.
Glendon's remarkable proficiency in his craft was accompanied by a deliberate decision to eschew the conventional practice of crafting sequels or series centered around his main characters, instead choosing to tantalize his readers with each fresh publication, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next literary gem he would unveil.
Glendon, a writer of great talent and versatility, defied the conventions of traditional categorization, leaving editors to struggle with pinning him down to a specific genre or series. Nonetheless, his remarkable storytelling abilities earned him numerous prestigious writing awards, with several of his works being adapted into successful motion pictures. Two notable film hits that showcased his writing prowess are the iconic "Where The Boys Are" (MGM, 1960) and "The Shootist" (Paramount, 1976). Additionally, other significant film adaptations of his stories include the classic "Seventh Cavalry" (Columbia, 1956),the critically acclaimed "They Came To Cordura" (Columbia, 1959),and the thought-provoking "Bless the Beasts & Children" (Columbia, 1972).
Notably, the novel "Bless the Beasts" has achieved a remarkable longevity, remaining in print for an impressive duration since its initial publication in the year 1970. Furthermore, a new American edition of the iconic novel "The Shootist" was reprinted by the reputable publishing house Bison Books in the year 2011, ensuring its continued availability and accessibility to readers.
