Louis Auchincloss

Date of Birth: September 27, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 26, 2010

Biography

Louis Auchincloss was an esteemed American novelist, historian, essayist, and lawyer, known for his keen insights into the American elite. Born into a prominent New York family, Auchincloss was educated at Groton School and later Yale University. He published his first novel, “The Indifferent Children,” under a pseudonym in 1947. However, it was his 1951 novel, “The House of Five Talents,” that established him as a significant literary figure. Auchincloss’s works often explore themes of class, privilege, and moral ambiguity within the upper echelons of American society. Over the course of his career, he authored more than sixty books, including novels, short stories, and biographies. Auchincloss also practiced law for many years, balancing his legal career with his writing.

5 Interesting Facts about Louis Auchincloss

1. Louis Auchincloss was a direct descendant of Edgar Allan Poe.

2. He served as president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters from 1977 to 1980.

3. Auchincloss wrote under the pseudonym “Andrew Lee” early in his career.

4. His novel “The Rector of Justin” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1964.

5. He was a partner in the prestigious New York law firm of Hawkins, Delafield & Wood.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Louis Auchincloss

1. “The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.”

2. “The law is a calling. It demands that you be your best self.”

3. “Fiction is meant to illuminate, to explode, to reveal, to enlighten.”

4. “The privilege of a writer is to be alone, to be isolated, and to be able to work as he pleases.”

5. “Morality is not the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Louis Auchincloss’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $10 million.

Children

Louis Auchincloss married Adele Burden Lawrence in 1957, and the couple had three children: Andrew Auchincloss, John Auchincloss, and Laura Auchincloss.