Stegner

Wallace Stegner (1909-1993) was an American historian, novelist, short story writer, and environmentalist, often referred to as the "Dean of Western Writers." He is best known for his historical novels set in the American West, exploring themes of landscape, memory, and the complexities of human relationships within the environment.

Stegner's works often grapple with the tension between the allure of the frontier and the consequences of its exploitation. He wrote extensively about the settlement of the West and the impact of human activity on the natural world.

Some of his most celebrated works include Angle of Repose (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 1972), The Spectator Bird (National Book Award, 1977), and Crossing to Safety. His non-fiction includes Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West, a biography of explorer John Wesley Powell and a commentary on water rights in the American West.

Beyond his literary achievements, Stegner was a significant figure in the environmental movement, advocating for wilderness preservation and responsible land use. He taught creative writing at Stanford University for many years, mentoring numerous prominent writers. His legacy extends beyond his published works, impacting both literature and environmentalism in the American West.