Date of Birth: July 14, 1903
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: August 26, 1989
Biography
Irving Stone, born Irving Tennenbaum, was an acclaimed American writer known for his biographical novels of famous historical personalities. Stone was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in a family that valued education and literature. He pursued his higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, and later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Stone’s writing career began with the publication of his first biographical novel, “Lust for Life” in 1934, which was based on the life of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The book was a commercial success and established Stone as a significant literary figure. He continued to write compelling biographical novels, including “The Agony and the Ecstasy” about Michelangelo, “Sailor on Horseback” about Jack London, and “The Passions of the Mind” about Sigmund Freud. Throughout his career, Stone meticulously researched his subjects, often spending years studying their lives and times. His dedication to historical accuracy and his ability to bring historical figures to life made his works popular among readers and critics alike.
5 Interesting Facts about Irving Stone
1. Irving Stone’s real name was Irving Tennenbaum, but he adopted the pen name Stone early in his career.
2. His novel “Lust for Life” was made into a successful film in 1956, starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh.
3. Stone spent several years in Italy researching for his novel “The Agony and the Ecstasy” about Michelangelo.
4. Stone was awarded the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 1961.
5. Despite being a prolific writer, Stone’s works rarely received major literary awards during his lifetime, though they were immensely popular with the public.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irving Stone
1. “Talent is cheap; dedication is expensive. It will cost you your life.”
2. “There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.”
3. “I write biographical novels because it allows me to tell a story that is both true and imaginative.”
4. “The only reward worth having is the satisfaction of knowing that you have done the best you could.”
5. “Life itself is an inspiration, and every life is a story waiting to be told.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Irving Stone’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Irving Stone married Jean Factor in 1934, and they had two children together, Paula Stone and Kenneth Stone.
Relevant Links
1. [Irving Stone’s Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Stone
2. [Irving Stone on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8296.Irving_Stone
5. [Irving Stone’s Interview on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example_interview
