Tracy Daugherty biography, Wikipedia age and career

Tracy Daugherty biography, Wikipedia age and career

Tracy Daugherty, a prominent American author, distinguished literary biographer, and esteemed Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing at Oregon State University, stands as a towering figure in contemporary literature. His body of work, characterized by biographies, novels, short stories, and essays, has earned accolades for its profound insights, literary elegance, and accessibility.

Born in the vibrant city of Midland, Texas, in 1955, Daugherty embarked on his educational journey, earning a B.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1976, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Houston in 1983 and 1985, respectively. His academic career included a long tenure at Oregon State University from 1986 to 2013, during which he shared his passion for literature and writing. Additionally, he held visiting positions at prestigious institutions like the University of Iowa, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Virginia.

Tracy Daugherty biography

Daugherty’s literary legacy is punctuated by his biographical works, each a masterful exploration of the lives and works of iconic authors. His debut book, “Hiding Man: A Biography of Donald Barthelme,” published in 2009, achieved critical acclaim, earning a finalist spot for the National Book Critics Circle Award and securing the Oregon Book Award. His second biography, “Just One Catch: A Biography of Joseph Heller,” published in 2011, mirrored this success by becoming a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. “The Last Love Song: A Biography of Joan Didion,” his third biography, became a New York Times bestseller upon its release in 2015.

In addition to his biographies, Daugherty has explored the realm of fiction, penning four novels: “Desire Provoked” (1987), “The Boy Orator” (1997), “What Falls Away” (1996), and “The Secret History of Texas” (2004). His gift for storytelling extends to his four collections of short stories: “The Woman in the Park” (1991), “The Gospel According to Judas” (1998), “The Missing Chapter” (2008), and “The Devil’s Bargain” (2017). His insightful essays have graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, and The Atlantic.

Daugherty’s contributions to literature have garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the Oregon Book Award. His esteemed memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Letters underscore his significant impact on the literary world.

Tracy Daugherty is not only a celebrated author but also a revered teacher, influencing generations of writers. His works, characterized by their informative and engaging narratives, coupled with their exquisite prose, have solidified his status as a major figure in American literature. His enduring legacy continues to captivate readers, ensuring that his literary contributions will be cherished for generations to come.