George V. Higgins

Date of Birth: November 13, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: November 6, 1999

Biography

George V. Higgins was an American novelist, lawyer, professor, and journalist, renowned for his gritty crime novels that depict the underbelly of Boston’s criminal world. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, Higgins developed a passion for literature early in life. He attended Boston College and went on to earn a law degree from Boston College Law School. Higgins’s career as a lawyer and assistant U.S. attorney provided him with the firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system that would become the backbone of his literary work. Higgins’s most famous novel, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” published in 1972, is considered a masterpiece of crime fiction and earned high praise for its realistic dialogue and deep characterizations. Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 25 novels, as well as numerous short stories, essays, and non-fiction works. His writing style has influenced many contemporary crime writers and continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and narrative skill.

5 Interesting Facts about George V. Higgins

1. George V. Higgins was also a journalist and contributed to several newspapers, including the Boston Globe.

2. He was known for his unique ability to capture the nuances of Boston’s local dialects and criminal lingo.

3. Apart from writing, Higgins taught creative writing at Boston University and was admired for his mentorship.

4. His novel, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1973, starring Robert Mitchum.

5. Higgins was a passionate collector of rare books and manuscripts, amassing a significant personal library over his lifetime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George V. Higgins

1. “What people say is important. They will lie in the teeth of their own experience if they have a theory to support.”

2. “The only way to write well is to write badly first.”

3. “You can’t do it if you don’t do it.”

4. “All I can do is write what I see and try to make it as clear as possible.”

5. “A man’s got to know his limitations.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George V. Higgins’s highest net worth during his lifetime was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from book sales, film adaptations, and his work as a lawyer and professor.