Carl Van Doren Quotes

A collection of quotes by Carl Van Doren.

Carl Van Doren (1885-1950) was an American writer, critic, and biographer, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Benjamin Franklin. Born in Hope, Illinois, Van Doren attended Columbia University, where he later became a professor of English literature.

With a deep passion for American literature and history, Van Doren's writings spanned various genres, including poetry, novels, and plays. However, it was his biographies that etched his name in the annals of American letters. His meticulous research and engaging writing style brought historical figures to life for millions of readers.

Van Doren's most acclaimed work was his biography of Benjamin Franklin, published in 1938. The book received wide recognition and earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography the following year. He also delved into the lives of other prominent figures through his biographical works, including Jonathan Swift, James Branch Cabell, and Mark Twain.

Throughout his career, Van Doren was an influential figure in American literary circles. He served as the editor of The Nation, a renowned magazine for political and cultural commentary, and contributed regularly to leading publications of his time.

Carl Van Doren's dedication to historical research and his ability to captivate readers with his lively prose earned him a lasting reputation as one of America's foremost biographers and literary critics. His contributions to the study of American literature continue to be cherished, even after his passing in 1950.