George Howe Colt

George Howe Colt. He is an American author and journalist renowned for his meticulously researched narrative nonfiction, which often explores profound themes of family, memory, and American culture. A graduate of Harvard College, his career has spanned contributions to major publications like The New York Times Magazine and Life. Colt is a finalist for the National Book Award and a recipient of the PEN New England Award, celebrated for works such as The Big House and The Game.

Early life and education

George Howe Colt was born in New York City and grew up in a prominent family with deep roots in New England. He attended the Buckley School in Manhattan before enrolling at Harvard College, where he studied under noted professors and developed his literary voice. His time in Cambridge, Massachusetts profoundly influenced his later work, particularly his fascination with Ivy League institutions and their histories. After graduating, he briefly worked in publishing before dedicating himself fully to writing and journalism.

Career

Colt began his career as a staff writer for Life magazine, where he covered a wide range of cultural and human-interest stories. His journalistic work has since appeared in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker, establishing his reputation for in-depth reporting. He served as a contributing editor for Harvard Magazine, often writing on topics related to the university's history and ethos. This journalistic foundation provided the rigorous research skills that characterize his acclaimed book-length works of narrative nonfiction.

Writing and publications

Colt's first major book, The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home, is a poignant memoir and social history of his family's retreat on Cape Cod, examining themes of WASP culture and change. His subsequent work, The Game: Harvard, Yale, and America in 1968, delves into the iconic football rivalry against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. In Brothers: On His Brothers and Brothers in History, he intertwines personal memoir with profiles of famous fraternal relationships like the Booths and the Van Goghs. His earlier book, November of the Soul: The Enigma of Suicide, is a comprehensive study of the history and psychology of suicide.

Awards and recognition

His body of work has earned significant critical acclaim, including a finalist nomination for the National Book Award for Nonfiction for The Big House. He is a recipient of the PEN New England Award for Nonfiction, and his books have frequently appeared on annual "best of" lists by publications like The New York Times Book Review. Colt has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony and has received grants from organizations such as the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. His contributions to literary journalism were further honored with an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Personal life

George Howe Colt is married to fellow author and essayist Anne Fadiman, a professor at Yale University; they frequently collaborate and review each other's works. The couple has two children and divides their time between Western Massachusetts and Los Angeles. He is the brother of novelist Fanny Howe and the nephew of poet Marie Howe, placing him within a distinguished American literary family. An avid reader and researcher, his personal interests deeply inform the subjects of his books, which often blend autobiography with broader historical inquiry.

Category:American non-fiction writers Category:Harvard University alumni Category:1952 births Category:Living people