Irving Stone

Date of Birth: July 14, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: August 26, 1989

Biography

Irving Stone was an American writer born on July 14, 1903, in San Francisco, California. He is best known for his biographical novels of famous historical figures, which often blend fact with fiction to create engaging narratives. Stone’s works often focused on artists, scientists, and other notable figures, bringing their stories to life through detailed research and vivid storytelling. Among his most famous works are “Lust for Life,” a biography of Vincent van Gogh, and “The Agony and the Ecstasy,” which details the life of Michelangelo. Stone’s dedication to historical accuracy and his ability to weave intricate details into his narratives have earned him a lasting place in American literature. He passed away on August 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Irving Stone

1. Irving Stone’s real name was Irving Tennenbaum; he changed it to Stone early in his career.

2. He meticulously researched his subjects, often spending years on a single book.

3. “Lust for Life” was adapted into a film in 1956, starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh.

4. Stone’s book “Clarence Darrow for the Defense” was a detailed biography of the famous lawyer and civil libertarian.

5. Stone was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1984 for his contributions to literature.

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. “The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.”

4. “An artist without ideas is a mendicant; barren, he goes begging among the hours.”

5. “The only thing more painful than being an active forgetter is to be an inert rememberer.”