Date of Birth: June 10, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: June 19, 2015
Biography
James Salter, born James Arnold Horowitz, was an esteemed American novelist and short story writer known for his meticulous prose and exploration of the complexities of human relationships. Born on June 10, 1925, in New York City, Salter attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1945. He served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, an experience that profoundly influenced his first novel, “The Hunters” (1956). Salter resigned from the Air Force to pursue a full-time writing career, adopting his pen name to distinguish his literary persona from his military past. Salter’s bibliography includes notable works such as “A Sport and a Pastime” (1967), “Light Years” (1975), and “All That Is” (2013). His writing garnered critical acclaim for its elegance and insight, although he was often considered a “writer’s writer,” admired more within literary circles than by a mass audience. Salter also wrote screenplays, including “Downhill Racer” (1969) starring Robert Redford. His achievements in literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the Windham-Campbell Literature Prize in 2013.
5 Interesting Facts about James Salter
1. James Salter initially wrote under his real name, James Horowitz, before adopting his pen name.
2. He was a graduate of the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point.
3. His experience as a fighter pilot in the Korean War heavily influenced his debut novel, “The Hunters.”
4. Salter’s novel “A Sport and a Pastime” was considered controversial for its explicit content when first published.
5. He won the Windham-Campbell Literature Prize for his exceptional contribution to literature in 2013.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Salter
1. “There is no complete life. There are only fragments.”
2. “Life passes into pages if it passes into anything.”
3. “It is always there, of course, when you write—unconsciously or consciously—the image of yourself, the mirror of yourself.”
4. “Art, by itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.”
5. “The writing life is full of frailty, as well as triumph.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
James Salter’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million at the peak of his career.
Children
James Salter had four children: Allan Salter, Nina Salter, Claude Salter, and James (Jamie) Salter Jr.
Relevant Links
1. [James Salter – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Salter
5. [James Salter – The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/books/james-salter
