Date of Birth: June 7, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: March 28, 2012
Biography
Harry Eugene Crews was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist known for his gritty and often grotesque depictions of Southern life. Born in rural Georgia, Crews grew up in poverty and faced numerous hardships, which profoundly influenced his writing. He served in the Marine Corps before attending the University of Florida, where he studied literature and developed his unique voice as a writer. Crews published his first novel, “The Gospel Singer,” in 1968, and went on to write numerous novels, essays, and short stories, many of which explored themes of violence, survival, and the human condition. His works include “A Feast of Snakes,” “The Knockout Artist,” and “Scar Lover.” Crews also taught creative writing at the University of Florida for many years, inspiring a generation of writers with his raw and uncompromising approach to storytelling.
5 Interesting Facts about Harry Crews
1. Harry Crews survived polio as a child, which left him with a lifelong limp.
2. He worked a variety of jobs, including as a carnival barker and a boxer, before becoming a full-time writer.
3. Crews was known for his distinctive appearance, often sporting tattoos, a shaved head, and a handlebar mustache.
4. He wrote a memoir titled “A Childhood: The Biography of a Place,” which details his early life in Georgia.
5. Crews was a mentor to several successful writers, including Michael Connelly and Larry Brown.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Crews
1. “Survival is triumph enough.”
2. “You can’t let the truth ruin a good story.”
3. “The world doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?”
4. “Nothing is allowed to die in a society of storytelling people.”
5. “The only way to write is well and how you do that is up to you.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Harry Crews’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Harry Crews had two sons, Patrick Scott Crews and Byron Jason Crews. Unfortunately, Patrick Scott Crews passed away at the age of four.
Relevant Links
1. [Harry Crews on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Crews
2. [Harry Crews Biography on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38798.Harry_Crews