Pearl S. Buck

Date of Birth: June 26, 1892

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 6, 1973

Biography

Pearl S. Buck, born Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker, was an acclaimed American novelist and humanitarian. She was born on June 26, 1892, in Hillsboro, West Virginia, to Southern Presbyterian missionaries. Buck spent much of her early life in China, which profoundly influenced her writing. Her most notable work, “The Good Earth”, published in 1931, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1932. This novel is a poignant portrayal of Chinese peasant life and is credited with helping to change American perceptions of China. In 1938, Buck became the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Throughout her life, she wrote over 100 works, including novels, short stories, and biographies. Buck was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and founded the first international, interracial adoption agency, Welcome House. She passed away on March 6, 1973, in Danby, Vermont.

5 Interesting Facts about Pearl S. Buck

1. Pearl S. Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

2. She was deeply influenced by her early life in China, which is reflected in much of her writing.

3. Buck founded the first international, interracial adoption agency, Welcome House.

4. She published over 100 works, including novels, short stories, and biographies.

5. “The Good Earth” was made into a major motion picture in 1937, further cementing her fame.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pearl S. Buck

1. “Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.”

2. “You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings.”

3. “To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.”

4. “Growth itself contains the germ of happiness.”

5. “The truth is always exciting. Speak it, then. Life is dull without it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Pearl S. Buck’s net worth was estimated to be around $7 million.

Children

Pearl S. Buck had seven children. Her biological daughter, Carol Buck, was born in 1920 and had a severe intellectual disability. Buck adopted six more children: Richard Walsh, Jr., Janice Walsh, John Walsh, Henriette Walsh, Theresa Walsh, and Johanna Walsh.