Morley Callaghan

Date of Birth: February 22, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: August 25, 1990

Biography

Morley Callaghan was a prominent Canadian novelist and short story writer, born on February 22, 1903, in Toronto, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto and later Osgoode Hall Law School, although he never practiced law. Callaghan initially worked as a reporter for the Toronto Star, where he befriended Ernest Hemingway, who was also working there at the time. This relationship proved influential in his writing career. Callaghan’s literary career took off in the 1920s and 1930s with a series of critically acclaimed novels and short stories. His works often explored themes of human weakness and moral ambiguity. Some of his notable works include “Such Is My Beloved” (1934), “The Loved and the Lost” (1951), and “More Joy in Heaven” (1937). Callaghan’s writing style was characterized by its simplicity and clarity, drawing comparisons to the works of Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Throughout his career, Callaghan received numerous accolades, including the Royal Society of Canada’s Lorne Pierce Medal and the Governor General’s Award for Fiction. He continued writing well into his later years, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian literature. He passed away on August 25, 1990, in Toronto, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Morley Callaghan

1. Morley Callaghan once boxed with Ernest Hemingway in a friendly match refereed by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

2. Callaghan was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960.

3. He spent a year in Paris in 1929, where he interacted with members of the Lost Generation, including James Joyce and Gertrude Stein.

4. Callaghan’s novel “Such Is My Beloved” was inspired by his experiences working with the poor during the Great Depression.

5. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1982 for his contributions to Canadian literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Morley Callaghan

1. “I don’t think there’s any real need for deep thought about literature or life. What I want to do is tell a story.”

2. “The novelist’s job is to understand, not to judge.”

3. “I believe in the dignity of human beings.”

4. “Writing is a struggle against silence.”

5. “In the end, it’s the writer’s voice that matters.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Morley Callaghan is estimated to have been around $1 million at the peak of his career, primarily from book sales and literary awards.

Children

Morley Callaghan had two sons, Michael Callaghan and Barry Callaghan. Barry Callaghan followed in his father’s footsteps and became a noted writer, poet, and publisher.