James Agee

Franklin Library James Agee books

A Death in The Family - Library of Pulitzer Prize Classics - 1979

 

 

James Agee biography

James Agee was an American writer, critic, and journalist born on November 27, 1909, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is best known for his versatile talents, which spanned various genres, including journalism, film criticism, poetry, and fiction. Agee's work reflects a deep engagement with social issues, a keen observational eye, and a distinctive literary style. Growing up in the South during the early 20th century, Agee experienced the impact of economic hardship and social inequality. These early experiences would later influence his writing and shape his perspectives on class, race, and human suffering. He attended Harvard University, where he became involved in literary pursuits and contributed to the university's literary magazine.

Agee's career as a writer gained momentum when he joined Fortune magazine as a staff writer in the 1930s. He became known for his insightful and critical essays, often addressing the social and economic issues of the time. His journalistic work showcased his ability to combine rigorous analysis with a lyrical and empathetic approach to human stories. In addition to his journalism, Agee made significant contributions to film criticism. Alongside critic Pauline Kael, he co-wrote the groundbreaking and influential screenplay for the documentary film Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (1941), a poignant exploration of the lives of sharecropper families during the Great Depression. Agee's cinematic endeavors also included collaborations with notable directors such as John Huston.

One of Agee's most celebrated works is the autobiographical novel A Death in the Family, which was published posthumously in 1957. The novel, awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. Unfortunately, Agee did not live to see the success of his novel, as he passed away on May 16, 1955, at the age of 45.

James Agee's cause of death

James Agee died of a heart attack on May 16, 1955. He was 45 years old at the time of his death. The exact circumstances surrounding his heart attack are not detailed in the available historical records, but it's known that he passed away due to this medical event.

James Agee's legacy endures through his insightful and compassionate writing, which continues to be appreciated for its literary merit and its exploration of the human condition. His ability to weave together personal experiences with broader social issues marks him as a unique voice in American literature and journalism.

 

 

A Death in The Family

Published posthumously in 1957, A Death in the Family draws heavily from Agee's own life experiences, chronicling the impact of a tragic event on a family in 1915 Knoxville. At the heart of the narrative is the sudden death of Jay Follet, a loving husband and father, which sends shockwaves through the lives of his wife, Mary, and their young son, Rufus. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Agee delves into the inner lives of the characters as they grapple with grief, guilt, and the search for meaning in the face of loss. Set against the backdrop of a Southern community steeped in tradition and religion, the novel explores themes of faith, doubt, and the fragility of human relationships.

Agee's prose is lyrical and introspective, imbued with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a vanished past. He captures the rhythms of everyday life—the sights, sounds, and smells of Knoxville—and infuses them with a sense of poignancy and beauty.

A Death in the Family received widespread critical acclaim upon its publication, earning Agee a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1958. His sensitive portrayal of grief and resilience struck a chord with readers, cementing the novel's place as a classic of American literature. James Agee's legacy endures in the pages of A Death in the Family, a timeless meditation on love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. Through his exquisite prose and compassionate insight, Agee invites readers to confront the complexities of the human condition with empathy and grace, reminding us of the transformative power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of the human heart.

James Agee quotes

"You must be in tune with the times and prepared to break with tradition."

"In every child who is born, no matter what circumstances, and of no matter what parents, the potentiality of the human race is born again."

"We are talking now of summer evenings in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the time that I lived there so successfully disguised to myself as a child."