MacKinlay Kantor was born on April 4, 1904, in Webster City, Iowa. He grew up with his sister in a small town where his mother was the editor of The Webster City Daily News. It was in this environment that Kantor developed a love for storytelling and writing.
Kantor began his career as a journalist, working for The Webster City Daily News and the Des Moines Tribune. During this time, he published several short stories which gained him national recognition. In 1934, he published his first historical novel, Long Remember, which further established him as a promising writer.
Throughout his career, Kantor wrote over thirty novels, with his most famous work being Andersonville, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1956. His other notable war-themed works include If the South Had Won the Civil War (1961) and Valley Forge (1975). Kantor's experience serving as an Air Force gunner in World War II influenced his novel, Glory for Me.
Despite his success as a writer, Kantor remained humble and devoted to his family. He always credited his upbringing in Webster City for shaping his writing style and voice. Kantor passed away on October 11, 1977, leaving behind a legacy of powerful storytelling and enduring literature.
Kantor's impact on the literary world can still be felt today. His novels continue to be studied in schools and universities, with Andersonville remaining a classic work of American literature. The film adaptation of his novel, The Best Years of Our Lives, starring Fredric March, further solidified Kantor's reputation as a master storyteller.
MacKinlay Kantor's dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the human experience through his writing have ensured that his legacy will endure for generations to come.