Louis L'Amour
Louis L'Amour: A Literary Legend
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Louis Dearborn L'Amour
Common Aliases: Louis L'Amour, Tex Burns
Birth and Death Dates
Born: March 22, 1908
Died: June 10, 1988
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Novelist, Short Story Writer, Poet, Historian
Early Life and Background
Louis Dearborn L'Amour was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Dr. Louis Charles LaMoore and Emily Dearborn LaMoore. The youngest of seven children, L'Amour grew up in a family that valued education and storytelling. His father was a veterinarian and farm machinery broker, while his mother was a teacher. The family faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression, prompting them to move frequently in search of better opportunities.
L'Amour's early life was marked by a thirst for adventure and knowledge. He left school at the age of 15 and embarked on a series of jobs that took him across the United States and beyond. From working as a ranch hand and miner to serving as a merchant seaman, L'Amour's experiences during these formative years would later serve as rich material for his writing. His travels also allowed him to meet a diverse array of people, further fueling his imagination and understanding of human nature.
Major Accomplishments
Louis L'Amour's literary career began in earnest in the 1930s when he started writing short stories for pulp magazines. However, it was not until the 1950s that he achieved widespread recognition with the publication of his first novel, "Hondo," which was later adapted into a successful film starring John Wayne. Over the course of his career, L'Amour published over 100 novels and more than 250 short stories, selling more than 320 million copies worldwide.
L'Amour's work was not limited to Westerns, although he is best known for his contributions to the genre. He also wrote historical fiction, science fiction, and non-fiction, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His ability to weave compelling narratives with authentic historical details earned him numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Notable Works or Actions
Among L'Amour's most notable works are the "Sackett" series, which follows the adventures of a pioneering family in the American frontier. This series, along with standalone novels like "Hondo," "The Lonesome Gods," and "The Walking Drum," solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. His ability to create vivid, believable characters and settings made his stories resonate with readers, transporting them to the rugged landscapes of the Old West.
L'Amour's dedication to authenticity and historical accuracy set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He conducted extensive research for his novels, often visiting the locations he wrote about and consulting historical documents to ensure the accuracy of his depictions. This commitment to detail not only enriched his stories but also educated his readers about the history and culture of the American frontier.
Impact and Legacy
Louis L'Amour's impact on American literature is profound. He is credited with revitalizing the Western genre, bringing it to a broader audience and elevating it to new heights. His works have been translated into numerous languages, reaching readers around the globe and inspiring a new generation of writers.
L'Amour's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions. He was a passionate advocate for literacy and education, believing that reading was essential to personal growth and understanding. His own life story, from humble beginnings to literary success, serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers and readers alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Louis L'Amour is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on life, adventure, and the human spirit. His quotes often reflect his belief in perseverance, courage, and the importance of self-reliance—values that resonate with readers across different cultures and generations. L'Amour's ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing has made his words timeless, continuing to inspire and motivate people long after his passing.
In summary, Louis L'Amour's contributions to literature and his enduring legacy as a storyteller ensure that he remains a beloved and quoted figure. His works continue to captivate readers, offering a glimpse into the rugged beauty and challenges of the American frontier, while his quotes provide wisdom and inspiration for navigating the complexities of life.
Quotes by Louis L'Amour
Louis L'Amour's insights on:
Revenge could steal a man's life until there was nothing left by emptiness...A man can lose sight of everything else when he's bent on revenge, and it ain't worth it
How long is a girl a child? She is a child, and then one morning you wake up and she's a woman and a dozen different people of whom you recognize none.
A man you can figure on; a woman you can't. They're likely either to faint or to grab for a gun regardless of consequences.
You've got to admit she's pretty much of a woman, and she as always the lady. But you've got to admit she keeps what she's got so you know it's there.
We had met as equals, rarely a good thing in such matters, for the woman who wishes to be the equal of a man usually turns out to be less than a man and less than a woman. A woman is herself, which is something altogether different than a man.
Them Injuns. Takin the country off em. In good times it must've been a fine life they had, huntin and fishin or driftin down the country on the trail of the buffalo. I ain't sure what we'll do to the country will be any better.
We had come a far piece into a strange land, a trail lit by lonely campfires and gunfire and the wishing we did by day and by night. Now we rode back to plant roots to the land and with luck, to leave sons to carry on a more peaceful life, in what we hoped would be a more peaceful world.
I would not sit waiting for some value tomorrow, nor for something to happen. One could wait a lifetime. ... I would make something happen.