Dawn Powell

Date of Birth: November 28, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: November 14, 1965

Biography

Dawn Powell was an American writer renowned for her biting social satires and witty depictions of New York City life. Born on November 28, 1896, in Mount Gilead, Ohio, Powell faced a tumultuous childhood marked by the death of her mother and abandonment by her father. She moved to New York City in 1918, where she became an integral part of the literary scene. Powell’s body of work includes numerous novels, short stories, and plays. Her most notable works include “Turn, Magic Wheel,” “A Time to Be Born,” and “The Locusts Have No King.” Despite critical acclaim, she struggled financially for much of her life. Powell’s work experienced a resurgence in popularity after her death, leading to a re-evaluation of her contributions to American literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Dawn Powell

1. Powell wrote over 15 novels during her lifetime.

2. She was a close friend of notable writers such as John Dos Passos and Edmund Wilson.

3. Powell kept detailed diaries throughout her life, which have been published posthumously.

4. Her work often critiqued the social and cultural norms of her time, particularly focusing on the urban experience.

5. Powell’s writing received renewed attention in the 1990s, leading to the re-publication of many of her works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dawn Powell

1. “A writer’s business is minding other people’s business.”

2. “The human comedy is always tragic, but since its ingredients are always the same – the pursuit of wealth and power, the struggle for survival – it is also always comic.”

3. “New York is itself a character in my books.”

4. “The only joy in the world is to begin.”

5. “My stories are about people who are trying to find a place in the world where they belong.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Dawn Powell never achieved significant financial success during her lifetime. At her peak, her net worth was modest, reflecting the financial struggles she faced throughout her career.

Children

Dawn Powell had one son, Joseph R. Gousha, Jr., born in 1921. He suffered from severe developmental disabilities, which profoundly impacted Powell’s life and work.