Date of Birth: April 1, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: June 1, 2004
Biography
William Manchester was an acclaimed American historian and biographer, known for his meticulously researched and vividly written accounts of historical figures and events. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Manchester had a career that spanned several decades, during which he wrote over a dozen books. Notably, he is best known for his works on Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, and Douglas MacArthur. Manchester served as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II, an experience that profoundly influenced his later work. After the war, he attended the University of Massachusetts and later earned an M.A. from the University of Missouri. He began his career as a journalist before transitioning to writing full-time. His best-known works include “The Death of a President,” which chronicles the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and “The Last Lion,” a multi-volume biography of Winston Churchill. Manchester’s writings have been praised for their narrative flair and historical accuracy, making him one of the most respected historians of the 20th century.
5 Interesting Facts about William Manchester
1. William Manchester was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2002.
2. He served as a Marine during World War II and was seriously wounded in the Battle of Okinawa.
3. His book “American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964” was a finalist for the National Book Award.
4. Manchester’s “The Last Lion” trilogy on Winston Churchill is considered one of the definitive biographies of Churchill.
5. He initially planned to write a trilogy on John F. Kennedy but completed only one volume, “The Death of a President.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Manchester
1. “An Edwardian lady in full dress was a wonder to behold, and her preparations for viewing were awesome.”
2. “A writer lives, at best, in a state of astonishment.”
3. “The horrors of war are not to be underestimated.”
4. “Good writing is a kind of skating which carries off the performer where he would not go.”
5. “History is not a random sequence of unrelated events, but a narrative; it is a story.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by William Manchester was estimated to be around $5 million at the peak of his career.
Children
William Manchester had three children: John Manchester, Julie Manchester, and Laurie Manchester.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Manchester
4. [William Manchester at the University of Massachusetts](https://www.umass.edu
