James Thurber was a renowned American author, humorist, and cartoonist who captured the hearts of readers with his witty and satirical works. His unique style of writing and drawing made him a household name during the mid-20th century. In this biography, we delve into the life and times of James Thurber, exploring his childhood, career, and personal struggles. From his early beginnings as a journalist to his rise to fame as a New Yorker staff writer, we uncover the fascinating story of this literary icon.
Early Life and Education
James Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the second child of Charles L. Thurber and Mary Agnes Fisher. His father was a clerk and his mother was a housewife. Thurber’s childhood was marked by a series of illnesses, including a bout of pneumonia that left him partially blind in one eye. Despite his health problems, Thurber was a bright and curious child who loved to read and write. He attended the Ohio State University, where he studied journalism and worked on the school newspaper. After graduation, he worked as a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch and later for the New York Evening Post. Thurber’s early experiences as a journalist would later inform his writing, which often satirized the news media and the world of politics.
Journalism Career
James Thurber’s journalism career began in college, where he wrote for the Ohio State Lantern. After graduation, he worked as a reporter for various newspapers, including the Columbus Dispatch and the Chicago Tribune. However, it was his work as a staff writer and cartoonist for The New Yorker that truly launched his career. Thurber’s witty and humorous essays, often accompanied by his own illustrations, became a staple of the magazine and helped to define its unique style. He continued to write for The New Yorker until his death in 1961, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential humorists of the 20th century.
Marriage and Family Life
James Thurber’s marriage and family life were a significant part of his personal and professional journey. In 1922, he married Althea Adams, and they had a daughter named Rosemary. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they divorced in 1935. Thurber later married Helen Wismer in 1935, and they remained together until his death in 1961. Together, they had a son named Matthew. Thurber’s family life often served as inspiration for his writing, and he frequently wrote about the joys and challenges of marriage and parenthood. His humorous and relatable stories about family life continue to resonate with readers today.
Works and Literary Style
James Thurber was a prolific writer, producing a wide range of works throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his humorous essays and short stories, which often featured absurd situations and characters. However, Thurber also wrote poetry, plays, and even a few novels.
One of Thurber’s most distinctive literary traits was his use of language. He had a knack for creating memorable phrases and clever wordplay, which added to the humor and charm of his writing. He also had a talent for capturing the rhythms and quirks of everyday speech, which gave his characters a sense of authenticity and relatability.
Another hallmark of Thurber’s style was his ability to blend humor with deeper themes and emotions. Many of his stories dealt with issues such as loneliness, insecurity, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Despite the often absurd situations he depicted, Thurber’s writing had a poignant and sometimes melancholy quality that resonated with readers.
Overall, Thurber’s works and literary style were a reflection of his unique perspective on the world. He was a master of humor and language, but also a thoughtful observer of human nature. His writing continues to entertain and inspire readers today, making him one of the most beloved American authors of the 20th century.
The New Yorker and Thurber’s Contributions
James Thurber’s career as a writer and cartoonist was closely tied to The New Yorker magazine. He began contributing to the publication in 1927, just a year after it was founded, and continued to do so for the rest of his life. Thurber’s unique blend of humor, satire, and whimsy was a perfect fit for The New Yorker’s sophisticated and urbane readership.
Thurber’s contributions to The New Yorker were varied and numerous. He wrote short stories, essays, and book reviews, as well as creating his famous cartoons. His writing often featured his signature wit and wordplay, as well as his love of absurdity and the surreal. His cartoons, meanwhile, were often surreal and whimsical, featuring anthropomorphic animals and other oddities.
Thurber’s work was hugely popular with readers of The New Yorker, and he became one of the magazine’s most beloved contributors. His cartoons in particular were widely admired, and he was often compared to other great cartoonists like Charles Addams and Saul Steinberg. Thurber’s influence on the world of cartooning cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
In addition to his contributions to The New Yorker, Thurber also wrote several books that became classics of American literature. These included The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, My Life and Hard Times, and The Thurber Carnival. These books cemented Thurber’s reputation as one of the most important and influential writers of his time, and helped to ensure that his work would be remembered for generations to come.
World War II and Thurber’s Role
During World War II, James Thurber played a significant role in boosting the morale of American soldiers. He wrote humorous stories and cartoons that were published in various military publications, including Yank, Stars and Stripes, and Army Talks. Thurber’s work provided a much-needed escape from the horrors of war and helped soldiers maintain a sense of humor in the face of adversity. In addition to his contributions to the war effort, Thurber also continued to write for The New Yorker, producing some of his most famous works during this time. Despite his own health issues, Thurber remained dedicated to his craft and to bringing joy to others through his writing.
Illness and Declining Health
As James Thurber aged, he began to experience a decline in his health. He suffered from various illnesses, including pneumonia and a heart attack. In addition, he developed a chronic eye condition that eventually left him nearly blind. Despite these challenges, Thurber continued to write and work, adapting to his changing abilities. He even learned to dictate his writing to a secretary, allowing him to continue producing his beloved stories and essays. Thurber’s declining health was a difficult obstacle, but he persevered and continued to make a significant impact on the literary world.
Legacy and Influence
James Thurber’s legacy and influence on American literature and humor cannot be overstated. His unique blend of wit, satire, and absurdity has inspired countless writers and comedians, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied today.
Thurber’s influence can be seen in the works of contemporary humorists such as David Sedaris and Tina Fey, who have cited him as a major inspiration. His writing style, which often featured a mix of humor and pathos, has also been emulated by authors such as John Updike and Raymond Carver.
In addition to his literary influence, Thurber’s cartoons and illustrations have had a lasting impact on American culture. His iconic drawings, which often featured anthropomorphic animals and surreal landscapes, have been reproduced in countless books, magazines, and advertisements.
Thurber’s legacy also extends beyond the world of literature and art. His advocacy for animal rights and his support of progressive political causes have inspired generations of activists and social justice advocates.
Overall, James Thurber’s contributions to American culture are immeasurable. His unique voice and vision continue to resonate with readers and audiences today, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Personal Life and Relationships
James Thurber’s personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married his college sweetheart, Althea Adams, in 1922, and the couple had a daughter named Rosemary. However, their marriage was not without its difficulties. Althea suffered from alcoholism and mental illness, and the strain of caring for her took a toll on Thurber’s own mental health. In 1935, Althea died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving Thurber devastated.
Despite this tragedy, Thurber eventually found love again. In 1935, he married Helen Wismer, a former student of his. The couple had two children together, a son named James and a daughter named Rosemary (named after Thurber’s first daughter). Helen was a stabilizing force in Thurber’s life, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1961.
Thurber’s relationships with his family and friends were also important to him. He was close with his brother, Robert, and often wrote about their childhood adventures together. He also had a close circle of friends, including the writer E.B. White and the cartoonist Charles Addams. Thurber’s wit and humor made him a beloved figure among his friends and family, and his legacy as a writer and humorist continues to inspire new generations.
Humor and Satire in Thurber’s Writing
James Thurber was known for his unique sense of humor and satire in his writing. His works often featured absurd situations and characters, poking fun at the mundane aspects of everyday life. One of his most famous stories, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” follows the daydreams of a man who imagines himself as a hero in various scenarios. Thurber’s use of humor and satire allowed him to comment on societal norms and expectations in a lighthearted and entertaining way. His writing continues to be celebrated for its wit and cleverness, making him a beloved figure in American literature.
Thurber’s Views on Politics and Society
James Thurber was known for his humorous and satirical take on politics and society. He often used his writing to comment on the absurdities of the world around him. In his essay “The Future, If Any, of Comedy,” Thurber wrote, “Comedy is based on the assumption that the world is not a tragic place, and that there is something funny about it.” This sentiment is reflected in much of his work, which often pokes fun at the foibles of human nature and the idiosyncrasies of society. Thurber’s views on politics were similarly irreverent. He once wrote, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.” Despite his cynicism, however, Thurber remained engaged with the world around him, and his writing continues to be celebrated for its incisive wit and keen observations.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, James Thurber received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to literature and humor. In 1943, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Belles Lettres and Criticism from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1951, he received the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award in Literature. Thurber was also a two-time recipient of the O. Henry Memorial Award for short fiction. In 1961, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Thurber’s legacy continues to be celebrated today, with the annual Thurber Prize for American Humor being named in his honor.
Travels and Adventures
James Thurber was a man who loved to travel and seek out new adventures. Throughout his life, he visited many different places and had countless experiences that shaped his writing and his outlook on life. One of his most memorable trips was a journey to Europe in the 1930s, where he visited cities like Paris, London, and Berlin. During this trip, he met many famous writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein, and was inspired by the vibrant cultural scene of the time. Thurber also loved to explore the natural world, and he often went on camping trips and hikes in the mountains. One of his favorite places to visit was the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where he would spend weeks at a time fishing, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Whether he was traveling to far-off lands or exploring the wilderness close to home, Thurber always found new adventures and experiences to inspire his writing and enrich his life.
Friendships and Collaborations
Throughout his life, James Thurber formed many close friendships and collaborations with fellow writers and artists. One of his most notable friendships was with the writer E.B. White, with whom he collaborated on several projects, including the children’s book “The 13 Clocks.” Thurber also had a close relationship with the artist Saul Steinberg, who illustrated many of his works. Their collaboration resulted in the iconic New Yorker cover featuring a map of New York City as seen by a Manhattanite. Thurber’s ability to form meaningful connections with others not only enriched his personal life but also contributed to his success as a writer and humorist.
Thurber’s Impact on American Literature
James Thurber’s impact on American literature cannot be overstated. His unique style of humor and satire, combined with his keen observations of human behavior, have influenced countless writers and readers alike. Thurber’s works, such as “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “My Life and Hard Times,” continue to be widely read and studied today. In addition to his literary contributions, Thurber also played a significant role in the development of the New Yorker magazine, where he worked as a writer and cartoonist for many years. His legacy as a writer and humorist has left an indelible mark on American literature and popular culture.
Controversies and Criticisms
One of the most significant controversies surrounding James Thurber was his portrayal of women in his writing. Many critics have accused him of perpetuating sexist stereotypes and objectifying women. In particular, his short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” has been criticized for its portrayal of Mitty’s wife as a nagging and uninteresting character. Thurber’s defenders argue that his writing should be viewed in the context of its time and that he was simply reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the era. However, others argue that this is no excuse for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Despite the controversy, Thurber remains a beloved figure in American literature, and his work continues to be studied and celebrated today.
Adaptations of Thurber’s Works
James Thurber’s works have been adapted into various forms of media, including films, television shows, and stage productions. One of the most notable adaptations is the 1947 film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which starred Danny Kaye and was based on Thurber’s short story of the same name. The film was a commercial success and helped to popularize Thurber’s work among a wider audience. Other adaptations include the 1969 animated television special “The Unicorn in the Garden,” based on Thurber’s short story, and the 2013 film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which starred Ben Stiller and was loosely based on Thurber’s story. Thurber’s works have also been adapted for the stage, including the 1960 musical “The Thurber Carnival,” which featured sketches and stories from Thurber’s various works. These adaptations have helped to keep Thurber’s legacy alive and introduce his work to new generations of readers and viewers.
Thurber’s Artistic Talents and Contributions
James Thurber was not only a gifted writer, but also a talented artist. His drawings and cartoons were an integral part of his writing, often adding humor and depth to his stories. Thurber’s artistic contributions were recognized by the art world, and he was awarded the Gold Medal for Graphic Art by the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1955. His drawings and cartoons have been featured in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, where he worked as a staff writer and cartoonist for many years. Thurber’s unique style and wit continue to inspire artists and writers today, making him a true icon of American literature and art.
Thurber’s Philosophy on Life and Art
Thurber’s philosophy on life and art was shaped by his experiences and his unique perspective on the world. He believed that humor was a powerful tool for coping with life’s challenges and that laughter could help people find joy even in difficult times. Thurber also believed that art should be accessible to everyone and that it should reflect the experiences and emotions of ordinary people. He rejected the idea that art should be elitist or exclusive, and he worked to create works that were both entertaining and meaningful. Overall, Thurber’s philosophy on life and art was grounded in a deep appreciation for the human experience and a belief in the power of humor and creativity to bring people together.