Frederick Feikes Feikema, VII, who would later become known by his pen name Frederick Manfred, was born on June 1, 1912, in the small town of Doon, Iowa. From a young age, he showed a passion for storytelling and writing, often creating elaborate tales that captivated his family and friends. Growing up in the Midwest, Manfred was deeply influenced by the rugged landscapes and rich history of the region, which would later become the backdrop for many of his novels.
After graduating from high school, Manfred attended a local college where he studied English literature and journalism. It was during this time that he began to hone his craft as a writer, contributing articles to the school newspaper and local publications. Following his graduation, Manfred landed a job as a sports reporter for The Minneapolis Journal, where he covered local games and events with wit and flair.
In the 1940s, Manfred published his first novel, "The Golden Bowl," which was met with critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the literary world. Over the next few decades, he would go on to write a series of best-selling Western novels, including "Boy Almighty" and "This is the Year," which cemented his reputation as a master of the genre. One of Manfred's most enduring contributions to literature was his creation of the term "Siouxland," which he used to describe the region where the states of Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa converge.
Despite his success as a writer, Manfred's personal life was marked by turmoil and rebellion. Raised in the Christian Reformed Church, he struggled with the rigid beliefs and expectations of his upbringing, eventually breaking away from the faith to forge his own path. In 1940, Manfred married Maryanna Shorba, a fellow writer who shared his passion for storytelling and adventure. Together, they traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from their experiences to fuel Manfred's creative endeavors.
Throughout his career, Frederick Manfred captured the spirit of the American West with vivid prose and larger-than-life characters. His novels resonated with readers of all ages, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of cowboys, outlaws, and frontier justice. Today, his work continues to inspire a new generation of writers and readers, keeping alive the legacy of a true literary pioneer.
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