Mackinlay Kantor Books In Order

Publication Order of Bugle Ann Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

The American novelist MacKinlay Kantor was definitely a strong and powerful voice during his time as an author. Producing a lot of powerful and important work over the course of his career, he was also an extremely entertaining and engaging novelist. A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize during his lifetime too, his work was with merit too, as he made a very strong impact with his work.

Largely focusing on the historical and western genre, he was a diverse author with a lot to say, and an extremely influential voice to say it with. This would bring in readers from all around the world, with his work resonating on an international level, regardless of the reader’s background. Working as a reporter early on as well, his style was authentic and genuine, as his books still remain relevant to this very day.

Early and Personal Life:

Born in 1904 on the 4th of February, MacKinlay Kantor would grow up Webster City, Iowa, in the United States where he was born and raised. Working as an editor for the Webster City Daily News during his childhood, he would always been keenly interested in writing. This would grow throughout the years, allowing him to find his own voice over time, as the second child in his family, but the only son.

As a child he would adopt the nickname McKinlay, later bringing in the extra ‘a’ in an attempt to sound more Scottish. He would also go by ‘Mack’ as well, attending local schools, whilst constantly using the Kendall Young Public Library, which he would come to see as his own ‘university’. Later he would win a writing contest with his first short-story, which was titled ‘Purple’, allowing him to develop his voice as an author in the years to come.

Writing for numerous publications from a young age, Kantor would support his family through the years of 1928 to 1934. Submitting various short-stories and pieces to pulp-fiction magazines, he’d make a sizeable income, whilst allowing him to expand upon his craft. It would also be in 1928 that Kantor would publish his first novel titled ‘Diversey’, along with his short fiction too.

Working as a war correspondent in the Second World War, he was posted in London with a Los Angeles newspaper. He would also learn how to operate the bomber gun turrets during his time reporting as well, an experience which would come to inspire another novel of his. Leaving behind a literary legacy that is still recognized to this day, readers continue to discover his work, which will continue for a long time yet.

Writing Career:

In 1928 MacKinlay Kantor would publish his first novel titled ‘Diversey’, which would then set him up as a serious writer. Releasing it at a young age, he would quickly go on to be celebrated by the critical establishment, making a name for himself. Prior to this he would publish shorter stories, such as ‘A Bad Night For Benny’, and ‘Delivery Not Received’, which would help him build upon his brand.

Starting out writing crime and mystery stories, he’d gain an in-depth understanding of the form, with his natural talent for the craft developing fast. Working as a war correspondent too, he’d report from the front lines, often on bombing raids, which would also provide him with a wealth of material to write about. Before this during the thirties he’d write extensively on the American Civil War, which would give his work a strong historical foundation.

Winning awards over the course of his long career, Kantor would go on to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1956 for his novel Andersonville. This would see his status as an important writer secured for generations to follow, inspiring countless readers and writers. Examples of this can be seen in the work of author Harry Turtledove, taking heavily from the 1961 novel ‘If The South Had Won The Civil War’, which portrayed an alternative to the American Civil War with the South winning. Appreciated by both critics and readers alike, the legacy of MacKinlay Kantor lives on, with the importance of his work continuing to this day.

Glory For Me

First released in 1945 through the Coward-McCann Incorporated publishing label, this would be a stand-alone title from MacKinlay Kantor. Adapted in 1946 for the big-screen Hollywood film ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’, it would become hailed as a classic. Written as an extended piece of blank verse, it flows on the page with its epic story chronicling the lives of its lead characters.

Telling the story of three GI’s returning home to the United States following the Second World War’s end, this takes a look at how they reacclimatize to life there. Dealing with the horrors of war and what they saw, they must cope with the PTSD that they now suffer, a condition which wasn’t so well understood then. Crossing paths with each other in the same town, it looks at their intertwining lives and their own unique stories in the aftermath of the war. In many cases they’re unable to leave the trauma behind them, as it threatens to tear them and their families apart, in a harrowing yet sensitive look at the tragedy of war.

Andersonville

Originally published in 1955, this would initially come out through Penguin Books, working as a stand-alone period piece for the author. Using his knowledge of the American Civil War, MacKinlay would examine the era in close detail, creating an in-depth and authentic portrayal of the period. It would also go on the receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction just one year after its release, securing its place as a classic of the time.

Set during the American Civil War in a Confederate prisoner of war camp, this looks at the period through a number of different perspectives, including the real-life camp commandant Henry Wirz who would later be executed. Then there’s the Union soldier William Collins who lead the ‘Raiders’; a gang of thugs who steal from fellow prisoners in order to live comfortably themselves. Along with this are the assortment of other prisoners and guards populating the prison, as they attempt to navigate their way around Andersonville.