Garry Wills

Easton Press Garry Wills books

Under God: Religion and American Politics - signed first edition - 1990

Certain Trumpets - signed first edition - 1994
Bomb Power - signed first edition - 2009

 

 

Garry Wills biography

Garry Wills, born on May 22, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American historian, author, and public intellectual known for his insightful analysis of American politics, culture, and religion. Throughout his prolific career, Wills has made significant contributions to the fields of history, literature, and social commentary, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the leading voices of his generation. Raised in a devoutly Catholic household in Michigan, Wills developed an early fascination with religion and philosophy, which would later inform much of his scholarly work. After studying classics at Saint Louis University and earning his bachelor's degree in 1957, Wills pursued further studies at Xavier University and Yale University, where he earned his master's and doctoral degrees in classics, respectively. Wills' academic background in classics provided him with a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization and a keen appreciation for the complexities of human thought and expression. Drawing on this knowledge, he embarked on a career as a writer and scholar, producing a wide-ranging body of work that encompasses history, theology, literature, and politics.

In the realm of history, Wills is perhaps best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America (1992), a groundbreaking analysis of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and its profound impact on American society and politics. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Wills offers readers new insights into one of the most famous speeches in American history, illuminating the ways in which Lincoln's words continue to resonate with audiences to this day. In addition to his work on Lincoln, Wills has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including the American presidency, the Catholic Church, and the role of religion in public life. His books Nixon Agonistes: The Crisis of the Self-Made Man (1970), What Jesus Meant (2006), and The Future of the Catholic Church with Pope Francis (2015) are just a few examples of his diverse body of work, which reflects his intellectual curiosity and commitment to exploring the pressing issues of our time.

Beyond his achievements as a historian and author, Wills is also a respected commentator and public intellectual, whose insightful analysis and sharp wit have made him a sought-after voice in the media. His essays and opinion pieces have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, where his thoughtful commentary on current events and cultural trends continues to inform and provoke readers. As Garry Wills continues to engage with the world through his writing and scholarship, his dedication to intellectual inquiry and his commitment to truth and justice serve as an inspiration to scholars, writers, and citizens alike. With his keen intellect, incisive analysis, and unwavering integrity, Wills has earned his place as one of the most influential thinkers of his generation, whose work will continue to shape our understanding of the past, present, and future for years to come.