Allen Drury was born on September 2nd, 1918

The Prolific Author Behind the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novel, Advise and Consent

Allen Drury, an American novelist, is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Advise and Consent, which has been hailed as the definitive Washington tale. This masterpiece, born from his experiences as a reporter in the Senate during World War II, catapulted Drury to literary stardom in 1960.

A Life Steeped in Politics and Journalism

Born on September 2, 1918, in Houston, Texas, Drury was immersed in politics from a young age. His father, Alden Monteith Drury, was a citrus industry manager, real estate broker, and insurance agent, while his mother, Flora Allen, was a legislative representative for the California Parent-Teacher Association. This exposure would later influence his writing, imbuing his novels with a deep understanding of the political landscape.

Early Life and Ancestry

Drury's family moved to Whittier, California, where he grew up alongside his sister, Anne Elizabeth. He was a direct descendant of Hugh Drury and Lydia Rice, early immigrants to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This rich family history would later find its way into his writing, as he drew inspiration from his ancestors' experiences.

A Career in Journalism and Writing

Drury's passion for writing led him to attend Stanford University, where he earned his B.A. in 1939. During his time at Stanford, he was heavily involved in the university's newspaper, serving as associate editor, columnist, and editor. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for the Tulare Bee and the Bakersfield Californian, winning the Sigma Delta Chi Award for editorial writing in 1940.

Wartime Experience and A Senate Journal

Drury's journalistic career was interrupted by World War II, during which he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. Although he was discharged due to an old back injury, his experiences during this period would later form the basis of his novel, Advise and Consent. His diaries from this time were published as A Senate Journal, 1943-1945, offering a unique glimpse into the world of Washington politics during wartime.

Awards and Accolades

Drury's literary achievements were recognized with the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1960, cementing his place as a prominent American novelist. His work continued to garner praise, with Advise and Consent remaining a beloved classic of American literature.

Legacy and Impact

Drury's influence on modern literature is undeniable. His works have been widely praised for their insight into the world of politics and their ability to humanize the players involved. His legacy extends beyond his writing, inspiring generations of journalists, authors, and politicians.

Major Works

• Advise and Consent (1959)
• A Senate Journal, 1943-1945 (1963)
• Come Nineveh, Come Tyre (1973)
• The Throne of Saturn (1971)

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• September 2, 1918: Born in Houston, Texas
• 1939: Earned B.A. from Stanford University
• 1940: Won Sigma Delta Chi Award for editorial writing
• 1942: Enlisted in the U.S. Army
• 1959: Published Advise and Consent
• 1960: Won Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
• September 2, 1998: Passed away at the age of 80

Drury's remarkable life and literary achievements continue to inspire readers and writers alike, ensuring his legacy as a master of American literature.