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National Book Foundation > Author > Conrad Richter
Conrad Richter (1890-1968) was an American novelist who wrote in a distinctly lyrical style. Common themes in his work include family, memory, and the lifestyle of a vanishing American frontier. Born in Pennsylvania, he grew up knowing the descendants of pioneer families. He took an early job as editor of a local newspaper, at the age of 19. His short stories were published in numerous pulp magazines, including Ghost Stories, Triple-X, and Blue Book. Some of Richter’s most well-known novels include The Light in the Forest and Sea of Grass. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1951 for his novel The Town, the last in a trilogy about Ohio during frontier times, and the National Book Award for The Waters of Kronos. More about this author >
When John Donner returns to the East Coast after spending some time out west, he finds his hometown submerged under the dark waters of a new lake—created in the construction of a nearby hydroelectric dam. More about this book >
Conrad Richter (1890-1968) was an American novelist who wrote in a distinctly lyrical style. Common themes in his work include family, memory, and the lifestyle of a vanishing American frontier. Born in Pennsylvania, he grew up knowing the descendants of pioneer families. He took an early job as editor of a local newspaper, at the age of 19. His short stories were published in numerous pulp magazines, including Ghost Stories, Triple-X, and Blue Book.
Some of Richter’s most well-known novels include The Light in the Forest and Sea of Grass. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1951 for his novel The Town, the last in a trilogy about Ohio during frontier times, and the National Book Award for The Waters of Kronos.