Walter Lord

Date of Birth: October 8, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 19, 2002

Biography

Walter Lord, born John Walter Lord Jr., was an esteemed American author and historian, particularly renowned for his detailed and engaging narratives of historical events. He was born on October 8, 1917, in Baltimore, Maryland. Lord’s most famous work is “A Night to Remember,” a meticulously researched and vividly written account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, published in 1955. This book solidified his reputation as a master of narrative history. Lord graduated from Princeton University in 1939 and later attended Yale Law School. During World War II, he served as a codebreaker for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). After the war, he embarked on a career in advertising before dedicating himself full-time to writing. Over his lifetime, he authored numerous books on various historical subjects, including “Day of Infamy” about the attack on Pearl Harbor and “The Good Years,” a reflection on the early 20th century in America. Walter Lord passed away on May 19, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of historical literature that continues to educate and fascinate readers.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Lord

1. Walter Lord’s book “A Night to Remember” was adapted into a successful film in 1958.

2. He served as a codebreaker during World War II, working for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).

3. Lord’s keen interest in history was sparked by his first visit to the Titanic’s launch site in Belfast as a child.

4. He personally interviewed over 60 survivors of the Titanic disaster for his book “A Night to Remember.”

5. Walter Lord was also a consultant for James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic,” providing valuable historical insights.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Lord

1. “History is made up of people; it’s the people who make the events.”

2. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

3. “You have to look at history with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to be surprised.”

4. “Stories are the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.”

5. “The act of writing is the act of discovering what you believe.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Walter Lord’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely attributed to the success of his books and their adaptations.