Childhood and Education Journey of Dr. Seuss in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Dr. Seuss, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, was a prolific American children's author and cartoonist. He wrote and illustrated over 60 books, achieving immense popularity and selling over 600 million copies worldwide, translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death. His works are staples of children's literature.
March 2, 1904: Theodor Seuss Geisel's Birth
On March 2, 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel, later known as Dr. Seuss, was born. He became a renowned American children's author and cartoonist.
1920: Prohibition Laws Instituted
In 1920, Prohibition laws were instituted, lasting until 1933. Geisel was caught violating them during his time at Dartmouth.
1925: Graduated from Dartmouth College
In 1925, Geisel graduated from Dartmouth College.
February 1927: Returned to the United States
In February 1927, Geisel returned to the United States without earning a degree and began submitting his work to various publications.
July 16, 1927: First Nationally Published Cartoon
On July 16, 1927, Geisel's first nationally published cartoon appeared in The Saturday Evening Post.
October 22, 1927: First Cartoon for Judge
On October 22, 1927, Geisel's first cartoon for Judge was published.
1927: Left Oxford and Began Career
In 1927, Geisel left Oxford University and began his career as an illustrator and cartoonist for various publications, including Vanity Fair and Life.
May 31, 1928: First Flit Ad Appeared
On May 31, 1928, Geisel's first Flit ad appeared, marking the beginning of a successful advertising campaign.
1936: Traveled Extensively
By 1936, Geisel and his wife had visited 30 countries together, contributing to his creativity.
1936: Inspired to write first children's book
In 1936, while returning from a voyage to Europe, the rhythm of the ship inspired Geisel to write "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street."
1941: End of Flit Advertising Campaign
In 1941, the Flit advertising campaign, which Geisel had been a part of, ended.
1942: Supported US War Effort
In 1942, Geisel began supporting the U.S. war effort by drawing posters for the Treasury Department and the War Production Board.
1943: Joined the Army
In 1943, Geisel joined the Army and commanded the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces.
May 1954: Life Published Report on Illiteracy
In May 1954, Life published a report on illiteracy, which influenced Geisel to create books with simplified vocabulary.
1955: Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Dartmouth
In 1955, Dartmouth awarded Geisel an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters.
October 23, 1967: Death of Helen Geisel
On October 23, 1967, Helen Geisel, Dr. Seuss's wife, died by suicide after a long illness.
August 5, 1968: Married Audrey Dimond
On August 5, 1968, Geisel married Audrey Dimond, with whom he had reportedly been having an affair.
December 19, 2018: Death of Audrey Geisel
On December 19, 2018, Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss's second wife, passed away at the age of 97.
