Bernard DeVoto

Date of Birth: January 11, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 13, 1955

Biography

Bernard DeVoto was a prominent American historian, essayist, and novelist, best known for his works on American history and his passionate conservation efforts. Born in Ogden, Utah, he developed an early interest in literature and the vast landscapes of the American West. DeVoto attended the University of Utah and later Harvard University, where he honed his writing and critical thinking skills. His career spanned several decades, during which he wrote extensively on American history, particularly the Western expansion. DeVoto’s most significant works include “The Year of Decision: 1846,” which explores the pivotal year in American history, and “Across the Wide Missouri,” for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1948. He was also a regular contributor to Harper’s Magazine, where his column “The Easy Chair” offered incisive commentary on contemporary issues, blending wit and erudition. In addition to his writing, DeVoto was a fierce advocate for the conservation of American natural resources. His efforts contributed to the preservation of many national parks and wilderness areas. His legacy is that of a passionate defender of both American history and the environment.

5 Interesting Facts about Bernard DeVoto

1. Bernard DeVoto won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1948 for his book “Across the Wide Missouri.”

2. He wrote a famous column called “The Easy Chair” for Harper’s Magazine from 1935 until his death in 1955.

3. DeVoto was a close friend of the renowned American author and environmentalist Wallace Stegner.

4. He was a staunch advocate for the conservation of American natural resources and played a significant role in the establishment of national parks.

5. DeVoto’s work “The Course of Empire” is considered one of the most comprehensive studies of American expansionism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernard DeVoto

1. “The West begins where the moisture ends.”

2. “The wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”

3. “A world that is not in its nature wild is not a world worth having.”

4. “History is so largely a matter of passion, of emotion, of feeling.”

5. “The American West is the most famous myth of modern times.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bernard DeVoto’s highest net worth is not well documented, but he achieved significant literary acclaim and financial stability through his successful writing career.