In the pantheon of great American literature, Booth Tarkington stands alone as the most forgettable writer to ever win the Pulitzer not just once, but twice. He is one of three writers to accomplish the feat. At one time, he was one of the most celebrated writers in America. Today, he is wholly forgotten, except … Continue reading The Forgettable Alice Adams
pulitzer
Thoughts on His Family
Published in 1917, Ernest Poole's winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize in 1918, His Family, is a surprisingly delightful read. The book has been largely out of print in recent years, and much like other early winners of the Pulitzer Prize, including Booth Tarkington's The Magnificent Ambersons, His Family is largely overlooked by modern … Continue reading Thoughts on His Family
The Age of Innocence on Trial
The title of Edith Wharton's most famous and Pulitzer Prize winning novel is most likely derived from a famous painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The painting was created sometime between 1785-1788 (see below). Sir Reynolds did not actually title the painting, as the name was given to the work after his death. The painting was … Continue reading The Age of Innocence on Trial
The Origins of the Pulitzer Prize
The Pulitzer Prize was established through a provision in Mr. Joseph Pulitzer's estate. Through his will, he left $250,000 to Columbia University for the award, and a total of $2,000,000 to establish a journalism school in his name. Who was Joseph Pulitzer? He was born Pulitzer Josef (as was common for a name in Hungary) … Continue reading The Origins of the Pulitzer Prize
