Caroline Gordon

Date of Birth: October 6, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 11, 1981

Biography

Caroline Gordon was an acclaimed American novelist and literary critic, known for her evocative Southern Gothic style and attention to the complexities of Southern life. Born on October 6, 1895, in Todd County, Kentucky, Gordon’s works often explore themes of tradition, family, and the haunting presence of the past. She attended Bethany College in West Virginia and later married poet Allen Tate, with whom she had a daughter. Throughout her career, Gordon published numerous novels and short stories, including her most famous work, “None Shall Look Back,” which chronicles the experiences of a Southern family during the Civil War. Beyond her fiction, Gordon was a revered mentor to many writers and played a significant role in the Southern literary renaissance. She passed away on April 11, 1981, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Caroline Gordon

1. Caroline Gordon was a close friend and mentor to writers such as Flannery O’Connor and Walker Percy.

2. Her husband, Allen Tate, was also a prominent literary figure and a leading poet of the Southern Agrarians.

3. Gordon received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1932, which allowed her to travel to Europe and deepen her literary pursuits.

4. She converted to Roman Catholicism in the 1940s, which influenced much of her later work.

5. Gordon was a meticulous writer, often spending years revising her novels to achieve the depth and precision she desired.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Caroline Gordon

1. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

2. “Writing is a process of discovery; one never knows what one will find.”

3. “A writer should be of as much use to the reader as a pair of spectacles.”

4. “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”

5. “Literature is a means of understanding, a means of seeing the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Caroline Gordon’s highest net worth was modest compared to contemporary standards, estimated at around $100,000 at the peak of her career. Her wealth largely came from her writing and teaching engagements.

Children

Caroline Gordon had one daughter, Nancy Tate, with her husband Allen Tate. Nancy Tate followed in her parents’ literary footsteps, becoming an editor and literary scholar.