Booth Tarkington

Easton Press Booth Tarkington books

Monsieur Beaucaire

Franklin Library Booth Tarkington books

The Magnificent Ambersons - Pulitzer Prize Classics - 1977
Alice Adams - Pulitzer Prize Classics - 1979
Stories by Booth Tarkington - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1984

 

 

Author Booth Tarkington

Booth Tarkington, born Newton Booth Tarkington on July 29, 1869, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was an esteemed American novelist and dramatist whose works encapsulated the essence of American life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the son of John S. Tarkington and Elizabeth Booth Tarkington, coming from a prominent and well-to-do family. Tarkington's childhood was marked by privilege and education. He attended Purdue University for a time but left without graduating. Nevertheless, his experiences there and within his social circle provided fertile ground for his keen observations of American society, which he later wove into his literary works.

His literary career began with the publication of his first novel, The Gentleman from Indiana, in 1899, which immediately garnered attention for its vivid portrayal of Midwestern life and politics. However, it was his 1912 novel, Alice Adams, that catapulted him to literary stardom. This work, exploring themes of social class and ambition, earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1919. Tarkington's writing often depicted the complexities of American society, particularly focusing on the tension between tradition and modernity, the aspirations of the middle class, and the dynamics of small-town life. His characters were richly drawn, often serving as archetypes of their era. Among his notable works are The Magnificent Ambersons (1918), which was later adapted into a successful film by Orson Welles, and Penrod (1914), a beloved children's novel featuring the misadventures of a young boy. Tarkington's ability to capture the nuances of human behavior and the changing American landscape earned him widespread acclaim.

In addition to his novels, Tarkington also ventured into the realm of theater, where he found success with plays such as Clarence (1919) and Seventeen (1916), both of which were later adapted into films.

Despite his literary accomplishments, Tarkington remained a private individual, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He continued to write prolifically throughout his life, leaving behind a legacy of over 25 novels, numerous plays, and various essays. Booth Tarkington passed away on May 19, 1946, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with readers, offering timeless insights into the American experience. His contributions to literature earned him a lasting place among the foremost chroniclers of his era.