Thomas Savage
20th century·United States·Author
Thomas Savage (1915-2003) was an American author primarily known for his Western novels, which often drew on his early life experiences in the American West. His literary career spanned from 1944 to 1988, producing 13 novels, with "The Power of the Dog" being considered his best work by critics and later adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Savage also explored themes of fatal provincialism and sexual boundaries in his writing, often drawing inspiration from his family.
Key Facts
- ›Born Thomas Savage Brenner in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1915.
- ›Published his first story, "the Bronc Stomper," in Coronet in 1937.
- ›His first novel, "the Pass," was published in 1944.
- ›Considered "the Power of the Dog" (1967) his best novel, which was adapted into a film in 2021.
- ›Received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1979.
- ›Died in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 25, 2003.
- Published 13 Novels Between 1944 and 1988.
- Received A Guggenheim Fellowship In 1979.
- His Novel "the Corner of Rife and Pacific" Was Nominated For the Pen/Faulkner Award and Received the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award In 1989.
- His Novel "the Power of the Dog" Was Adapted Into A Critically Acclaimed Film In 2021.
About Thomas Savage
Thomas Savage (1915-2003)
Thomas Savage was an American author whose literary career produced novels published between 1944 and 1988. He is most recognized for his Western novels, which were deeply informed by his formative experiences in the American West.
Early Life and Influences
Born Thomas Savage Brenner in Salt Lake City in 1915, Savage moved with his mother to a ranch near Lemhi, Idaho, after his parents' divorce. His mother remarried Charles Brenner, and the family relocated to the Brenner cattle ranch in Beaverhead County, Montana. Savage was adopted by his stepfather but felt like a misfit on the ranch. After attending high school in Dillon, Montana, he studied writing at the State University of Montana. It was here he met his future wife, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, and published his first story, "The Bronc Stomper," in Coronet magazine in 1937. Thomas and Elizabeth Savage, both aspiring novelists, married in 1939 and graduated from Colby College in 1940.
Literary Career and Themes
Savage's first novel, "The Pass," was published by Doubleday in 1944. Despite modest sales, it confirmed his path as a writer. His second novel, "Lona Hanson" (1948), proved a significant financial success, with Columbia Pictures purchasing the movie rights. "The Power of the Dog," published in 1967, is widely considered his best work by critics, noted for its austere prose and compelling characters. This novel was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2021.
Throughout his career, Savage explored themes of fatal provincialism and the claustrophobia of sexual boundaries. He aimed to denounce the bigotry he perceived in the western communities of his upbringing. His writing often featured characters loosely modeled on his own family members and himself as an outsider.
Later Life and Legacy
Savage published a total of 13 novels. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1979 and his final novel, "The Corner of Rife and Pacific" (1988), was nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Award. He lived with his wife in Georgetown, Maine, for nearly thirty years before moving to Whidbey Island, Washington. After his wife's death in 1989, Savage relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to be near his daughter. He died on July 25, 2003, at the age of 88.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Savage best known for?
Thomas Savage is best known for his Western novels, which often drew inspiration from his early experiences in the American West. His 1967 novel, "The Power of the Dog," is critically acclaimed and was adapted into a successful film in 2021.
When did Thomas Savage live and write?
Thomas Savage lived from April 25, 1915, to July 25, 2003. His writing career spanned from 1944, with the publication of "The Pass," to 1988, with his final novel, "The Corner of Rife and Pacific."
What were some of the key themes in Thomas Savage's writing?
Savage's novels often explored themes of fatal provincialism and the claustrophobia of sexual boundaries. He used his writing to denounce bigotry he observed in the western towns and ranches of his upbringing.
What awards did Thomas Savage receive?
Thomas Savage received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1979 and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award in 1989 for his novel "The Corner of Rife and Pacific." He also received an Honorary M.F.A. from Colby College in 1954.
How did Thomas Savage's personal life influence his writing?
Savage's early life on ranches in Idaho and Montana, his home schooling, and his experiences with his family deeply influenced his writing. He often modeled characters on his mother, grandmother, stepfather, and uncle, and wrote himself into his novels as an outsider figure.
Related Archbishops
Agobard
Agobard of Lyon was a Spanish-born priest and archbishop of Lyon during the Carolingian Renaissance. He is known for his numerous treatises on various theological and political issues, most notably his critiques of Jewish religious practices and political power within the Frankish-Carolingian realm. Agobard also engaged in controversies regarding iconoclasm, Spanish Adoptionism, and opposed trials by ordeal, and supported rebellions against Emperor Louis the Pious.
John Williams
John Towner Williams is a highly acclaimed American composer and conductor, renowned for creating some of the most iconic film scores in history. With a career spanning over seven decades, his distinctive style blends romanticism, impressionism, and atonal music, earning him numerous accolades including five Academy Awards and 27 Grammy Awards.
John Potter
John Potter is a Salt Lake City-based racing driver, team owner, and commercial real estate developer. He is best known as the founder and co-driver of Magnus Racing, a prominent team in the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship, and for his innovative and humorous approach to motorsport marketing. Concurrently, Potter has established a successful career in commercial real estate, developing self-storage facilities and hotels across Utah.