Search Results - Wolfe, Thomas, 1900-1938

Thomas Wolfe

Thomas Clayton Wolfe (October 3, 1900 – September 15, 1938) was a major American novelist of the first half of the 20th century. His enduring reputation rests largely on his first novel, ''Look Homeward, Angel'' (1929), and on the short fiction that appeared during the last years of his life. He was one of the first masters of autobiographical fiction, and along with William Faulkner, he is considered one of the most important authors of the Southern Renaissance within the American literary canon. He is North Carolina's most famous writer.

Wolfe wrote four long novels as well as many short stories, dramatic works, and novellas. He is known for mixing highly original, poetic, rhapsodic, and impressionistic prose with autobiographical writing. His books, written and published from the 1920s to the 1940s, vividly reflect on the American culture and mores of that period, filtered through Wolfe's sensitive and uncomfortable perspective.

After Wolfe's death, Faulkner said that he might have been the greatest talent of their generation, aiming higher than any other writer. Faulkner's endorsement, however, failed to win over mid to late 20th century critics and for a time Wolfe's place in the literary canon was questioned. However, 21st century academics have largely rejected this negative assessment, and a more positive and balanced assessment has emerged, combining renewed interest in his works, particularly his short fiction, with greater appreciation of his experimentation with literary forms, which has secured Wolfe a place in the literary canon.

Wolfe had great influence on Jack Kerouac, and his influence extended to other postwar authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip Roth, among others. Provided by Wikipedia