Hamlin Garland

Date of Birth: September 14, 1860

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 4, 1940

Biography

Hamlin Garland, an influential American novelist, poet, essayist, and short story writer, was born on September 14, 1860, in West Salem, Wisconsin. He is best known for his realistic portrayals of Midwestern farmers and for his advocacy of social and economic reforms. Garland grew up in a family that moved frequently in search of better farming opportunities, which deeply influenced his writing. His works often depict the hardships of agrarian life and the struggles of the American frontier. Garland’s literary career began in earnest with his first notable work, “Main-Travelled Roads” (1891), a collection of short stories that garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching look at the difficulties faced by farmers. He continued to explore similar themes in novels such as “A Son of the Middle Border” (1917) and its sequel, “A Daughter of the Middle Border” (1921), which won him the Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Throughout his life, Garland was an advocate for the rights of farmers and workers, using his writing to highlight social injustices and call for reform. He was also a prominent figure in the literary scene of his time, mingling with other notable authors and participating in various literary societies.

5 Interesting Facts about Hamlin Garland

1. Hamlin Garland won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1922 for his book “A Daughter of the Middle Border.”

2. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an honor bestowed upon distinguished writers, artists, and composers.

3. Garland’s writing was heavily influenced by the regionalist movement, focusing on the specific characteristics of rural American life.

4. He traveled extensively in the American West and wrote about Native American cultures, often advocating for their rights.

5. Garland experimented with spiritualism and the paranormal, writing about his experiences with séances and mediumship in his later years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hamlin Garland

1. “The soul of the artist cannot remain hidden. It must reveal itself, in one way or another.”

2. “I was born and bred in the middle border, and my writing is a record of my life.”

3. “The pioneer spirit is a restless spirit, always seeking new frontiers.”

4. “Literature is the voice of the human soul, and it must speak out against injustice.”

5. “In the end, we are all travelers on the same road, seeking the same destination.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Hamlin Garland’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a successful and influential writer of his time, he achieved significant financial stability through his literary works and lectures.

Children

Hamlin Garland had two daughters, Mary Isabel Garland and Constance Hamlin Garland. Mary Isabel followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a writer and editor.