Norman Maclean

Date of Birth: December 23, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: August 2, 1990

Biography

Norman Fitzroy Maclean was an American author and scholar, renowned for his novella “A River Runs Through It and Other Stories,” which reflects his deep connection to the natural world and his experiences growing up in Montana. Born into a Scottish Presbyterian family, Maclean’s life and work were heavily influenced by his father, a minister, and his love for fly fishing. After serving in World War I, he pursued an academic career, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, where he later became a professor of English. Maclean’s literary work, published late in his life, brought him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in American literature. His writing is celebrated for its lyrical prose, deep introspection, and vivid depiction of the American West.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman Maclean

1. Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It” was adapted into a successful film directed by Robert Redford in 1992.

2. Maclean began writing fiction after his retirement, publishing his first book at the age of 74.

3. He served as a firefighter and forest ranger in the forests of the American West during his youth.

4. Maclean was a highly respected professor at the University of Chicago, where he taught for over four decades.

5. His book “Young Men and Fire,” published posthumously, is a detailed account of the tragic Mann Gulch fire of 1949.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman Maclean

1. “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

2. “It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us.”

3. “The world is full of bastards, the number increasing rapidly the further one gets from Missoula, Montana.”

4. “At sunrise everything is luminous but not clear.”

5. “The hardest thing usually to leave behind, as was the case now, can loosely be called the conscience.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding Norman Maclean’s net worth are not readily available, his work achieved significant success, particularly after the film adaptation of “A River Runs Through It,” which brought renewed interest and financial gain to his literary estate.

Children

Norman Maclean had two children: a son, John N. Maclean, who is also an author known for his works on wildland fires, and a daughter, Jean Maclean Snyder.