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9.6: Biography: James Thurber

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    James Grover Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American cartoonist, author, journalist, playwright, and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories, published mainly in The New Yorker magazine and collected in his numerous books. One of the most popular humorists of his time, Thurber celebrated the comic frustrations and eccentricities of ordinary people.

    James Thurber
    Black and white photo of Thurber, who is seated in a wing chair looking at a lit match he holds in one hand; his other hand holds a cigarette to his lips. He has unkempt white hair with a dark streak in the center of his forehead. He wears dark patterned glasses, a white button-up shirt and a tie.
    James Thurber in 1954
    Born James Grover Thurber
    December 8, 1894
    Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
    Died November 2, 1961 (aged 66)
    New York, New York, U.S.
    Resting place Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
    Occupation Humorist
    Nationality American
    Period 1929–1961
    Genre short stories, cartoons, essays
    Subject humor, language
    Notable works My Life and Hard Times,
    My World and Welcome to It

    Career

    Uniquely among major American literary figures, he became equally well known for his simple, surrealistic drawings and cartoons. Both his skills were helped along by the support of, and collaboration with, fellow New Yorker staff member E. B. White, who insisted that Thurber’s sketches could stand on their own as artistic expressions. Thurber drew six covers and numerous classic illustrations for The New Yorker.

     

    View James Thurber’s full biography on Wikipedia.

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