History of Cormac McCarthy in Timeline
Cormac McCarthy was a highly acclaimed American writer known for his stark and often violent depictions of the American West and post-apocalyptic settings. His twelve novels, including "Blood Meridian" and "The Road," are celebrated for their minimalist style, characterized by sparse punctuation and a lack of traditional dialogue attribution. McCarthy's unique voice and powerful narratives have cemented his place as a literary giant of the 20th and 21st centuries.
1922: Literary Influences: Ulysses
Cormac McCarthy expressed admiration for James Joyce's "Ulysses" (1922), considering it one of the "great" novels alongside "Moby-Dick," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "The Sound and the Fury."
1929: Literary Influences: The Sound and the Fury
Among his literary influences, Cormac McCarthy held William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" (1929) in high regard, placing it alongside classics like "Moby-Dick," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "Ulysses."
July 20, 1933: Birth of Cormac McCarthy
Charles Joseph McCarthy Jr., later known as Cormac McCarthy, was born on July 20, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island.
July 20, 1933: Birth of Cormac McCarthy
American writer Cormac McCarthy was born on July 20, 1933. He is known for his distinct writing style and exploration of the Western and post-apocalyptic genres.
1937: Relocation to Knoxville, Tennessee
The McCarthy family relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1937, where his father pursued a legal career with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
1941: Settling in South Knoxville
By 1941, the McCarthy family had established their residence in South Knoxville.
1951: Enrolls at the University of Tennessee
In 1951, Cormac McCarthy enrolled at the University of Tennessee to pursue liberal arts, marking the beginning of his academic journey.
1953: Joins the U.S. Air Force
Cormac McCarthy decided to leave college in 1953 to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.
1957: Returns to the University of Tennessee
After his time in the Air Force, Cormac McCarthy re-enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1957, this time choosing English as his major.
1958: Adoption of the Typewriter
From 1958 onwards, Cormac McCarthy exclusively used a mechanical typewriter for all his literary works and correspondence, starting with a Royal and later switching to a portable Olivetti Lettera 32.
1959: Wins the Ingram-Merrill Award for Creative Writing
Cormac McCarthy was awarded the Ingram-Merrill Award for his creative writing in 1959, recognizing his burgeoning talent.
1960: Wins the Ingram-Merrill Award for Creative Writing
Cormac McCarthy's writing prowess earned him the Ingram-Merrill Award for the second consecutive year in 1960.
1961: Marriage to Lee Holleman
Cormac McCarthy married Lee Holleman in 1961.
1962: Birth of Son, Cullen
Cormac McCarthy and his wife, Lee, welcomed their son, Cullen, in 1962.
1965: Publication of "The Orchard Keeper"
Cormac McCarthy's debut novel, "The Orchard Keeper," was published in 1965, marking his entry into the literary world and drawing comparisons to the style of William Faulkner.
1965: Receives Traveling Fellowship and Meets Anne DeLisle
In 1965, Cormac McCarthy embarked on a journey aboard the Sylvania liner after receiving a Traveling Fellowship from The American Academy of Arts and Letters. During this trip, he crossed paths with Anne DeLisle, an Englishwoman who would later become his wife.
1966: Marriage to Anne DeLisle
Cormac McCarthy and Anne DeLisle were married in England in 1966.
1966: Receives Rockefeller Foundation Grant
Cormac McCarthy was awarded a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1966, which allowed him to travel throughout Southern Europe, ultimately leading him to Ibiza, where he wrote "Outer Dark."
1966: Wins the William Faulkner Foundation Award
Cormac McCarthy's debut novel, "The Orchard Keeper," earned him the William Faulkner Foundation Award in 1966, recognizing his notable contribution as a new voice in literature.
1968: Publication of "Outer Dark"
While traveling in Southern Europe, Cormac McCarthy completed his second novel, "Outer Dark," which was published in 1968 to a generally positive reception.
1969: Moves to Louisville, Tennessee
Cormac McCarthy and Anne DeLisle relocated to Louisville, Tennessee, in 1969, purchasing and renovating a dairy barn, marking a period of simple living for the couple.
1973: Publication of "Child of God"
Set against the backdrop of southern Appalachia, Cormac McCarthy's novel "Child of God" was published in 1973.
1974: Commissioned to Write Screenplay for PBS
Richard Pearce of PBS approached Cormac McCarthy in 1974 with a proposal for him to write an episode for the television series "Visions."
1976: Completion of "The Gardener's Son" Screenplay
By 1976, Cormac McCarthy finalized the screenplay for "The Gardener's Son."
1976: Separation from Anne DeLisle
Cormac McCarthy and Anne DeLisle decided to separate in 1976, after which McCarthy moved to El Paso, Texas.
1976: McCarthy's Decision to Quit Drinking
In 1976, while in El Paso, Cormac McCarthy decided to become a teetotaler, a decision influenced by his personal experiences and belief that drinking was an occupational hazard for writers.
January 6, 1977: Premiere of "The Gardener's Son"
Cormac McCarthy's foray into screenwriting culminated in the television drama episode "The Gardener's Son," which premiered on January 6, 1977, after a year of research and collaboration with Richard Pearce.
1979: Publication of the Semi-Autobiographical Novel "Suttree"
Drawing inspiration from his experiences in Knoxville, Cormac McCarthy published "Suttree" in 1979, a novel two decades in the making. The book garnered critical acclaim for its evocative prose and exploration of themes of alienation and self-discovery.
1979: Publication of "Suttree"
In 1979, Cormac McCarthy published "Suttree," a semi-autobiographical novel reflecting his experiences in Knoxville. Although not a commercial triumph, the book received critical acclaim.
1981: Awarded MacArthur Fellowship
In 1981, Cormac McCarthy received the MacArthur Fellowship, a prestigious grant that provided him with $236,000. This award, supported by recommendations from notable figures like Saul Bellow and Shelby Foote, facilitated McCarthy's research in the American Southwest for his upcoming novel, Blood Meridian.
1985: Publication of "Blood Meridian"
Cormac McCarthy's fifth novel, "Blood Meridian," was released in 1985. Initially met with lukewarm reception, it has gained significant recognition as his most renowned work.
1985: Publication of "Blood Meridian"
Published in 1985, "Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West" marked a significant point in McCarthy's career. The novel, notorious for its violence, garnered comparisons to the Iliad in its depiction of brutality. Though initially overlooked by critics, it gradually gained recognition, with some even considering it a contender for the Great American Novel.
1991: McCarthy Remains Largely Unknown
Despite his critical acclaim, Cormac McCarthy remained relatively unknown in the literary world. By 1991, none of his novels had achieved significant commercial success, with sales remaining below 5,000 hardcover copies. This lack of widespread recognition earned him the label of "the best unknown novelist in America."
1992: Publication of "All the Pretty Horses"
Cormac McCarthy achieved considerable success with his novel "All the Pretty Horses" in 1992, earning him both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
1992: McCarthy Gives First Interview
Following the retirement of his long-time editor, Albert Erskine, Cormac McCarthy decided to move to Alfred A. Knopf, where he began working with editor Gary Fisketjon. As a gesture of goodwill towards Erskine, McCarthy agreed to his first-ever interview, conducted by Richard B. Woodward of The New York Times.
1992: Publication of "All the Pretty Horses" and Widespread Recognition
The publication of "All the Pretty Horses" in 1992 proved to be a turning point in Cormac McCarthy's career, bringing him long-awaited recognition. The novel's critical and commercial success, including winning the National Book Award and becoming a New York Times bestseller, marked a significant shift in his public profile.
1993: Shift in Writing Style
By 1993, Cormac McCarthy's writing style evolved to incorporate a simpler and more restrained vocabulary compared to his earlier works like "Suttree" and "Blood Meridian."
1994: Publication of "The Crossing"
In 1994, Cormac McCarthy published "The Crossing," the second installment of his acclaimed Border Trilogy. This release further solidified his standing as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.
1994: Inclusion in "The Western Canon"
Harold Bloom, in his 1994 book "The Western Canon," predicted the enduring legacy of Cormac McCarthy's works, including "Child of God," "Suttree," and "Blood Meridian," as part of the Western literary canon.
1994: Publication of "The Crossing"
Continuing the thematic thread of "The Border Trilogy," McCarthy published "The Crossing" in 1994.
1995: Premiere of "The Stonemason"
In 1995, Cormac McCarthy's second play, "The Stonemason," premiered, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his exploration of complex themes through the medium of theater.
1996: McCarthy's Editing Contributions
In 1996, Cormac McCarthy edited W. Brian Arthur's article "Increasing Returns and the New World of Business," published in the Harvard Business Review, showcasing his distinct editing style focused on simplicity and minimizing punctuation.
1998: Completion of "The Border Trilogy" with "Cities of the Plain"
The final installment of "The Border Trilogy," titled "Cities of the Plain," was published in 1998.
1998: Completion of the Border Trilogy with "Cities of the Plain"
The publication of "Cities of the Plain" in 1998 marked the completion of Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy, a monumental achievement in his literary career. The trilogy, exploring themes of violence, loss, and the American West, cemented his reputation as a master storyteller.
2003: Recognition as a Major American Novelist
Harold Bloom, a renowned literary critic, recognized Cormac McCarthy as one of the four major living American novelists in 2003, placing him alongside Don DeLillo, Thomas Pynchon, and Philip Roth.
2005: Publication of "No Country for Old Men"
Cormac McCarthy's novel "No Country for Old Men" was published in 2005, receiving a mixed critical response.
2005: Publication of "No Country for Old Men"
Originally conceived as a screenplay, "No Country for Old Men" was published as a novel in 2005. The book, set in the American West during the 1980s, is notable for its sparse prose and dialogue-driven narrative.
2006: "Blood Meridian" Ranked Among Greatest Novels
In 2006, a survey conducted by The New York Times Magazine placed "Blood Meridian" third on a list of the greatest American novels published in the preceding quarter-century, solidifying its place within the literary canon.
2006: Publication of "The Road"
In 2006, Cormac McCarthy published his post-apocalyptic novel "The Road," which received widespread acclaim.
2006: Publication of "The Sunset Limited"
In 2006, Cormac McCarthy published "The Sunset Limited," a play with an unconventional structure that led to its categorization as "a novel in dramatic form."
2006: Publication of "The Road"
"The Road," published in 2006, is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the themes of survival, fatherhood, and hope in the face of despair. The novel was inspired by conversations McCarthy had with his young son, and it went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, further cementing his place as a leading figure in contemporary literature.
2006: Divorce from Jennifer Winkley
Cormac McCarthy and his third wife, Jennifer Winkley, divorced in 2006.
April 2007: "The Road" Selected for Oprah's Book Club
In April 2007, Oprah Winfrey selected Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" for her influential book club.
June 5, 2007: McCarthy Gives First Television Interview
On June 5, 2007, Cormac McCarthy, prompted by the selection of "The Road" for Oprah's Book Club, agreed to his first television interview, which aired on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." This marked a rare public appearance for the typically private author.
2007: Wins the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road" won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007.
2007: Film Adaptation of "No Country for Old Men" Wins Four Academy Awards
The Coen brothers' film adaptation of "No Country for Old Men," released in 2007, garnered widespread acclaim, winning four Academy Awards and numerous other accolades. The film's success brought renewed attention to McCarthy's work and further cemented his legacy in both literature and film.
2007: Film Adaptation of "No Country for Old Men" Released
The year 2007 saw the release of the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel "No Country for Old Men," which garnered significant commercial success and numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
December 2009: McCarthy's Typewriter Auctioned
Cormac McCarthy's Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter, his primary writing tool for over five decades, was auctioned at Christie's in December 2009, fetching $254,500, with proceeds donated to the Santa Fe Institute.
2009: Film Adaptation of "The Road"
In 2009, a film adaptation of "The Road," directed by John Hillcoat, was released. The film, starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee, received generally positive reviews, further bringing McCarthy's work to a wider audience.
2011: Film Adaptation of "The Sunset Limited"
"The Sunset Limited" was adapted into a film in 2011, directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones alongside Samuel L. Jackson. This adaptation further showcased McCarthy's work in a different medium.
2011: Film Adaptation of McCarthy's Play "The Sunset Limited"
In 2011, a film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's play, "The Sunset Limited," was released.
2012: McCarthy Sells Original Screenplay "The Counselor"
In 2012, Cormac McCarthy ventured further into screenwriting with the sale of his original screenplay, "The Counselor," to producers Nick Wechsler, Paula Mae Schwartz, and Steve Schwartz, who had previously worked on the film adaptation of his novel "The Road."
2012: Elected to the American Philosophical Society
In recognition of his significant contributions to literature, Cormac McCarthy was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2012.
October 25, 2013: Release of "The Counselor" Film Adaptation
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film adaptation of "The Counselor" premiered on October 25, 2013. However, the film received a mixed response from critics, with some praising its artistic merit and others criticizing its narrative choices.
2013: First Imposter Twitter Account
A Twitter account impersonating Cormac McCarthy gained notoriety in 2013, prompting his publisher to confirm that McCarthy did not use social media and the account was fake.
2015: Announcement of "The Passenger"
In 2015, the literary world eagerly anticipated the announcement of Cormac McCarthy's forthcoming novel, "The Passenger," during a multimedia event hosted by the Lannan Foundation in Santa Fe. This announcement sparked considerable interest, as it marked a return to fiction after several years.
2016: Death Hoax
In 2016, a Twitter hoax claiming Cormac McCarthy's death spread widely, even misleading some media outlets, but was later debunked.
2017: Publication of "The Kekulé Problem"
Cormac McCarthy delved into the nature of human consciousness and the origins of language in his essay "The Kekulé Problem," published in 2017.
2017: Publication of "The Kekulé Problem"
In 2017, Cormac McCarthy delved into nonfiction with the publication of his essay, "The Kekulé Problem." This marked his first foray into the genre after 50 years of writing fiction.
2018: Second Imposter Twitter Account Emerges
In 2018, another fake Twitter account impersonating Cormac McCarthy appeared, highlighting the ongoing attempts to misrepresent the reclusive author online.
2021: Second Imposter Account Briefly Verified
The fake Cormac McCarthy Twitter account created in 2018 was briefly verified in 2021 after a viral tweet, leading his agent to reconfirm its inauthenticity.
March 2022: Release Dates Announced for "The Passenger" and "Stella Maris"
Heightening anticipation among readers, The New York Times revealed in March 2022 that "The Passenger" would be released on October 25, 2022. Adding to the excitement, a companion novel, "Stella Maris," was slated for release on November 22. This marked McCarthy's first time releasing two novels in close succession.
October 25, 2022: Publication of "The Passenger"
Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Passenger" was published on October 25, 2022.
December 6, 2022: Publication of "Stella Maris"
On December 6, 2022, Cormac McCarthy's novel "Stella Maris" was published.
June 13, 2023: Death of Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy passed away on June 13, 2023. He left behind a legacy as a prominent figure in American literature.
June 2023: McCarthy's Legacy as a Western Genre Innovator
Following Cormac McCarthy's death in June 2023, his significant contributions to the Western novel genre, particularly his ability to transcend and reinvent it, were highlighted by literary figures and critics.