James Grover Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American cartoonist, author, journalist, playwright, and celebrated wit. Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories, published mainly in The New Yorker magazine and collected in his numerous books. One of the most popular humorists of his time, Thurber celebrated the comic frustrations and eccentricities of ordinary people.
| James Thurber | |
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James Thurber in 1954
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| Born | James Grover Thurber December 8, 1894 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | November 2, 1961 (aged 66) New York, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Occupation | Humorist |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1929–1961 |
| Genre | short stories, cartoons, essays |
| Subject | humor, language |
| Notable works | My Life and Hard Times, My World and Welcome to It |
Career
Uniquely among major American literary figures, he became equally well known for his simple, surrealistic drawings and cartoons. Both his skills were helped along by the support of, and collaboration with, fellow New Yorker staff member E. B. White, who insisted that Thurber’s sketches could stand on their own as artistic expressions. Thurber drew six covers and numerous classic illustrations for The New Yorker.