Renowned for crafting engaging narratives on science, history, and human experience, this author's meticulously researched essays and books have captivated readers for decades.
John McPhee is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative writers of creative nonfiction, a genre he helped shape and define over the course of his illustrious career. With a writing style characterized by meticulous research, lyrical prose, and an uncanny ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, McPhee has captivated readers and inspired generations of writers.
Born on March 8, 1931, in Princeton, New Jersey, McPhee was raised in an academically inclined family. His father, Dr. Harry McPhee, was the athletic department's physician at Princeton University, where John would later study and eventually become a professor. McPhee's educational background includes a postgraduate year at Deerfield Academy and a degree from Princeton University in 1953, where he wrote a senior thesis titled "Skimmer Burns." He also spent a year at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
McPhee's writing career began at Time magazine, but it was his long association with The New Yorker, starting in 1963, that cemented his reputation as a master of creative nonfiction. Many of his 31 books originated as articles in The New Yorker, where he has been a staff writer since 1965. His writing often explores the human experience through nuanced portraits of individuals, places, and events.
McPhee's contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including four Pulitzer Prize nominations in the General Nonfiction category. He won the Pulitzer in 1999 for "Annals of the Former World," a collection of five books that included two previous Pulitzer finalists. In 2008, he received the George Polk Career Award for his enduring impact on American journalism.
Since 1974, McPhee has been the Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, where he has inspired countless students and fostered a new generation of writers. His influence extends beyond the classroom, with many of his former students going on to become accomplished writers and journalists in their own right.
Twice married, McPhee is the father of four daughters, including novelists Jenny McPhee and Martha McPhee, photographer Laura McPhee, and architecture historian Sarah McPhee. His personal relationships and experiences have often informed his writing, imbuing his work with a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
McPhee's writing is characterized by a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to telling complex, nuanced stories. He has spoken about the importance of immersion and research in the writing process, emphasizing the need for writers to be open to new experiences and perspectives. His work reflects a profound respect for the human experience, as well as a deep appreciation for the natural world.
McPhee's writing has been instrumental in shaping the genre of creative nonfiction, influencing a range of writers and genres. His work has been praised for its lyricism, depth, and precision, earning him a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved writers of his generation. As a teacher, writer, and mentor, McPhee's legacy continues to inspire and inform new generations of writers.
Through his writing and teaching, John McPhee has left an indelible mark on American literature, cementing his place as one of the most important and influential writers of our time.
Born in 1909
The 32nd Premier of Tasmania, serving from 1996 to 1998, known for his Labor government's environmental and social reforms. He's also recognized for his efforts in protecting Tasmania's wilderness areas.
86 Years Old
The 37th Premier of Tasmania, serving from 1982 to 1989, known for his economic reforms and infrastructure development. He played a significant role in shaping Tasmania's economy and politics.
70 Years Old
A renowned expert in vertebrate paleontology, he's credited with groundbreaking research on dinosaur evolution and extinction, and has written numerous books on the subject.
Born in 1897
A Royal Air Force commander who played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II, particularly in the Mediterranean and North African theaters. He was also a pioneer in the development of air power strategy.
Born in 1848
A pioneering figure in Australian politics, known for drafting the Australian Constitution and playing a key role in the country's federation. He was a true Renaissance man, excelling in engineering, law, and politics.
83 Years Old
The 35th Premier of Tasmania, serving from 2004 to 2008, known for his leadership during a period of significant economic growth and infrastructure development in the state. He implemented various reforms, including education and healthcare initiatives.
81 Years Old
A former Australian rules footballer who became a lawyer and politician, serving as the Premier of Tasmania from 1992 to 1996, known for his leadership and public service.
87 Years Old
The 40th Premier of Tasmania, serving from 1996 to 1998, known for his brief but significant tenure in Tasmanian politics, particularly in the areas of education and economic development.
