Willa Cather

Date of Birth: December 7, 1873

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 24, 1947

Biography

Willa Cather was an American author renowned for her evocative novels about frontier life on the Great Plains. She was born on December 7, 1873, in Gore, Virginia, and grew up in Nebraska, which would later become the setting for many of her most famous works. Cather attended the University of Nebraska, where she initially studied science but later switched to English. After graduation, she worked as a journalist and teacher, eventually moving to Pittsburgh and then New York City. Cather’s literary career took off with the publication of her novel “O Pioneers!” in 1913, which was followed by other celebrated works like “My Ántonia” (1918) and “Death Comes for the Archbishop” (1927). Her writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions of the American landscape and its focus on the lives and struggles of pioneer families. Cather received numerous awards for her work, including the Pulitzer Prize for her novel “One of Ours” in 1923. She spent her later years in New York City, where she continued to write until her death on April 24, 1947. Willa Cather remains a significant figure in American literature, celebrated for her contributions to the portrayal of American frontier life.

5 Interesting Facts about Willa Cather

1. Willa Cather won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel “One of Ours” in 1923.

2. She initially studied science at the University of Nebraska before switching to English.

3. Many of her works are set in Nebraska, reflecting her upbringing in the state.

4. Cather was known for her meticulous research and attention to historical detail.

5. She spent the final years of her life in New York City, where she continued to write and edit her works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willa Cather

1. “There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.”

2. “The end is nothing; the road is all.”

3. “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”

4. “Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.”

5. “I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Willa Cather’s highest net worth achieved during her lifetime is not well-documented, as authors of her time did not typically accumulate significant wealth. However, her works have continued to sell well posthumously, contributing to her enduring legacy.