What was William Manchester's full birth name and his birth date and place?

William Manchester's full birth name was William Raymond Manchester. He was born on April 1, 1922, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, U.S.

When and where did William Manchester pass away, and at what age?

William Manchester died on June 1, 2004, at the age of 82. His death occurred in Middletown, Connecticut, U.S.

Where is William Manchester interred?

William Manchester is interred at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, U.S.

What were William Manchester's primary professions?

William Manchester was primarily known as an American author, biographer, and historian. He also held academic positions as a professor.

What academic institutions did William Manchester attend for his higher education?

William Manchester attended Massachusetts State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, and the University of Missouri, where he obtained a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

What were three of William Manchester's most notable published works?

Three of William Manchester's most notable works mentioned are 'American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880–1964', 'The Death of a President', and 'The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill'.

What branch of the military did William Manchester serve in, and during which major conflict?

William Manchester served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

What specific campaigns or battles did William Manchester participate in during his military service?

During his service in the Pacific Theater of World War II, William Manchester participated in the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign, specifically the Battle of Okinawa.

What military honors did William Manchester receive?

William Manchester was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. He was also promoted to the rank of sergeant.

What significant awards did William Manchester receive for his literary work?

William Manchester was honored with the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award.

Who was a key mentor to William Manchester during his early journalism career?

During his time as a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, the renowned journalist H. L. Mencken became a friend and mentor to William Manchester.

What was the subject of William Manchester's master's thesis and his first book?

William Manchester's master's thesis and his first book, 'Disturber of the Peace', were both about the writer, editor, and political pundit H. L. Mencken.

How did William Manchester describe his writing regimen at Wesleyan University?

At Wesleyan University, William Manchester developed an intense writing regimen where he would often write nonstop for up to 50 hours at a time, a process he described as something he deeply enjoyed.

What was the primary focus of William Manchester's memoir, 'Goodbye, Darkness'?

'Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War' was William Manchester's personal account of his wartime experiences in the Pacific Theater, drawing on anecdotes from his service on Okinawa and other battles.

What historical event was the subject of William Manchester's best-selling book, 'The Death of a President'?

William Manchester's best-selling book, 'The Death of a President' (1967), provided a detailed account of the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy.

Who commissioned William Manchester to write 'The Death of a President'?

The Kennedy family commissioned William Manchester to write 'The Death of a President' in 1964.

What was William Manchester's tentative conclusion regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy, based on his research for 'The Death of a President'?

Based on his study of Lee Harvey Oswald's psychology and their shared training as Marine sharpshooters, William Manchester tentatively concluded that Oswald had acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy.

What controversy arose concerning the publication of 'The Death of a President'?

Before its publication, Jacqueline Kennedy filed a lawsuit to prevent the release of 'The Death of a President', even though she had previously authorized it. The suit was settled, reportedly with Manchester agreeing to remove certain passages about Kennedy's family life.

How did Paul Krassner respond to the reported censorship of 'The Death of a President'?

In response to the reported censorship, satirist Paul Krassner published a piece titled 'The Parts That Were Left Out of the Kennedy Book', which humorously imagined scandalous material that had been omitted.

What happened with the publication status of 'The Death of a President' after its initial release?

Although 'The Death of a President' was a bestseller upon its release, it was later allowed to go out of print until 1988, and was re-issued again in October 2013.

What challenges did William Manchester face in completing the third volume of his Winston Churchill biography?

Following the death of his wife and suffering two strokes, William Manchester stated he could not complete the final volume of his Churchill biography. He eventually asked writer Paul Reid to finish it using his notes.

What claims made by William Manchester regarding his military service and awards were later questioned?

In an interview related to receiving the National Humanities Medal, William Manchester claimed to have been valedictorian of his class at the University of Massachusetts and to have received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. However, a later article asserted that these claims were untrue.

Who was William Manchester married to, and did they have children?

William Manchester was married to Julia Brown Marshall, known as Judy, starting in 1948. They had one son, John, and two daughters, Julie and Laurie.

What was William Manchester's role at Wesleyan University?

William Manchester served as an editor for Wesleyan University and Wesleyan University Press, and later became an adjunct professor of history, adjunct professor emeritus, and writer-in-residence at the university.

What is the title of William Manchester's novel set in Baltimore that deals with inner-city life and the numbers racket?

The novel set in Baltimore that deals with inner-city life and the numbers racket is titled 'The City of Anger', published in 1953.

What historical period does William Manchester's book 'A World Lit Only by Fire' explore?

'A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance—Portrait of an Age' explores the medieval mind and the Renaissance, offering a portrait of that era.

What is the subject of the three-part biography William Manchester wrote about Winston Churchill?

The three-part biography William Manchester wrote is titled 'The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill', covering different periods of Churchill's life from his birth in 1874 up to 1965.

What was William Manchester's connection to H. L. Mencken?

William Manchester was mentored by H. L. Mencken, whom he met while working at The Baltimore Sun. Mencken was also the subject of Manchester's first book, 'Disturber of the Peace'.

What is the significance of the '6th Marine Division' in relation to William Manchester's military service?

William Manchester was part of the 6th Marine Division during his service in the United States Marine Corps in World War II.

What is the title of William Manchester's memoir about his experiences in World War II?

William Manchester's memoir about his experiences in World War II is titled 'Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War'.

What historical narrative history of America did William Manchester author?

William Manchester authored 'The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972'.

What is the subject of William Manchester's biography 'American Caesar'?

'American Caesar' is a biography written by William Manchester about General Douglas MacArthur, covering his life from 1880 to 1964.

What was William Manchester's role in the Battle of Okinawa?

William Manchester served in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, where he was severely wounded on June 5, 1945.

What academic distinction did William Manchester claim to have achieved at the University of Massachusetts?

William Manchester claimed to have been the valedictorian of his graduating class at the University of Massachusetts.

What literary award did William Manchester receive from President George W. Bush?

In 2001, President George W. Bush presented William Manchester with the National Humanities Medal.

What was the nature of the dispute between William Manchester and Robert F. Kennedy regarding 'The Death of a President'?

William Manchester had a falling-out with Robert F. Kennedy primarily over Manchester's portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 'The Death of a President'.

What is the title of the book that completed William Manchester's three-part biography of Winston Churchill?

The third volume of William Manchester's Winston Churchill biography, completed by Paul Reid using Manchester's notes, is titled 'The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965'.

What is the significance of the 'Portrait of a President' book by William Manchester?

'Portrait of a President' is a book by William Manchester that offers a profile of John F. Kennedy, published in 1962 and updated in 1967.

What is the subject of William Manchester's book 'The Arms of Krupp'?

'The Arms of Krupp: The Rise and Fall of the Industrial Dynasty that Armed Germany at War' details the history of the Krupp industrial dynasty and its role in arming Germany.

What is the title of William Manchester's collection of essays published in 1976?

William Manchester's collection of essays published in 1976 is titled 'Controversy and other essays in journalism'.

What did William Manchester's personal papers and records suggest about his memoir 'Goodbye, Darkness'?

Later examination of William Manchester's personal papers, wartime record, and medical records indicated that much of what he recounted in 'Goodbye, Darkness' was inaccurate.

What is the title of William Manchester's book that explores the medieval mind and the Renaissance?

William Manchester's book that explores the medieval mind and the Renaissance is titled 'A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance—Portrait of an Age'.

Who is credited as the co-author for the final volume of the Winston Churchill biography by William Manchester?

Paul Reid is credited as the co-author for the final volume of William Manchester's Winston Churchill biography, 'The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965'.

What was William Manchester's initial military training path before being sent to Guadalcanal?

Before being sent to Guadalcanal for further training, William Manchester initially joined the Officer Candidate School but was dropped before receiving a commission. He was then given the rank of corporal.

What is the title of William Manchester's novel set in Baltimore?

William Manchester's novel set in Baltimore is titled 'The City of Anger'.

What is the subject of William Manchester's book 'One Brief Shining Moment: Remembering Kennedy'?

'One Brief Shining Moment: Remembering Kennedy' is a book by William Manchester that focuses on remembering President John F. Kennedy.

What is the title of William Manchester's book that covers American history from 1932 to 1972?

William Manchester's narrative history of America covering the period from 1932 to 1972 is titled 'The Glory and the Dream'.

What is the significance of the 'Magnum Photographers' in relation to William Manchester's bibliography?

William Manchester authored a book titled 'In Our Time: The World As Seen by Magnum Photographers', published in 1989, which likely features essays or commentary related to the work of Magnum photographers.

William Manchester Wiki: William Manchester: Chronicler of American Life

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Biographical Overview

William Raymond Manchester

William Raymond Manchester (April 1, 1922 – June 1, 2004) was a distinguished American author, biographer, and historian. His extensive body of work, comprising 18 books translated into over 20 languages, earned him significant accolades, including the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award. Manchester was celebrated for his rigorous research methodologies and his ability to craft vivid, engaging narratives that illuminated complex historical figures and events.

Military Service

Manchester's formative experiences included service in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted and, after initial training, served in the Pacific Theater. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where he was severely wounded on June 5, 1945. This experience profoundly influenced his later writings and earned him the Purple Heart and promotion to sergeant.

Education and Early Career

Manchester pursued higher education after the war, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Massachusetts State College and a Master of Arts from the University of Missouri. His early career included a stint as a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, where he developed his journalistic skills and mentorship under H. L. Mencken. His master's thesis on Mencken became his first published book, establishing his biographical prowess.

Professional Journey

Journalism and Mentorship

Manchester's career began in journalism, notably at The Baltimore Sun. This period provided him with invaluable insights into urban life and political undercurrents, subjects he would later explore in his fiction. His association with H. L. Mencken proved pivotal, shaping his approach to writing and critical analysis.

Academia and Rigorous Regimen

From 1955 onwards, Manchester was associated with Wesleyan University, serving as an editor for the university and its press, and later as an adjunct professor of history and writer-in-residence. During his tenure, he cultivated an intense, disciplined writing regimen, often working for extended, uninterrupted periods to achieve the depth and detail characteristic of his work.

The Authorial Voice

As an author, Manchester distinguished himself through his meticulous research and narrative flair. His works spanned biographies of major 20th-century figures, historical accounts of pivotal periods, and even novels. His commitment to accuracy, while sometimes debated, was central to his authorial identity, aiming to provide readers with comprehensive and impactful historical perspectives.

Notable Literary Contributions

Seminal Biographies and Histories

Manchester's literary output is marked by ambitious projects that delve into the lives of influential figures and critical historical moments. His biographies of Winston Churchill and Douglas MacArthur are considered monumental works, praised for their comprehensive scope and detailed portrayal.

Disturber of the Peace: The Life of H.L. Mencken (1951)
The City of Anger (1953)
Shadow of the Monsoon (1956)
A Rockefeller Family Portrait: From John D. to Nelson (1959)
The Long Gainer (1961)
Portrait of a President (1964)
The Death of a President: November 20–25 (1967)
The Arms of Krupp (1968)
The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972 (1974)
Controversy and other essays in journalism (1976)
American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880–1964 (1978)
On Mencken (1980)
Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War (1980)
One Brief Shining Moment: Remembering Kennedy (1983)
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Visions of Glory, 1874–1932 (1983)
Okinawa: The Bloodiest Battle of All (1987)
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Alone, 1932–1940 (1988)
In Our Time: The World As Seen by Magnum Photographers (1989)
A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance—Portrait of an Age (1992)
Magellan (1994)
No End Save Victory (2001)
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965 (2012, with Paul Reid)

Recognition and Honors

National Humanities Medal

In 2001, President George W. Bush presented William Manchester with the prestigious National Humanities Medal, recognizing his significant contributions to American letters and historical scholarship. This honor underscored his impact on public understanding of history and biography.

Abraham Lincoln Literary Award

Manchester was also a recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award, acknowledging his profound engagement with American history and his skill in bringing historical narratives to life for a broad audience. This award further cemented his reputation as a leading voice in historical writing.

Other Distinctions

Throughout his career, Manchester received numerous other awards and honors for his literary achievements. While some claims regarding his academic and military honors have been subject to scrutiny, his recognized contributions to literature and history remain substantial.

Personal Life

Family Life

William Manchester married Julia Brown Marshall, known as Judy, on March 27, 1948. Together, they raised three children: John, a composer; Julie; and Laurie. His personal life provided a grounding context for his demanding professional career.

Passing and Legacy

Final Years

Manchester passed away at the age of 82 on June 1, 2004, in Middletown, Connecticut. He is interred at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown. His death marked the end of a prolific career dedicated to chronicling the complexities of the 20th century.

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References

'Sam Kashner "A Clash of Camelots", Vanity Fair, October 2009

A full list of references for this article are available at the William Manchester Wikipedia page

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William Manchester

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Biographical Overview ℹ️

👤 William Raymond Manchester

🎖️ Military Service

🎓 Education and Early Career

Professional Journey 💼

📰 Journalism and Mentorship

🏛️ Academia and Rigorous Regimen

✍️ The Authorial Voice

Notable Literary Contributions 📚

📖 Seminal Biographies and Histories

Recognition and Honors 🏆

🏅 National Humanities Medal

🌟 Abraham Lincoln Literary Award

📜 Other Distinctions

Personal Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💍 Family Life

Passing and Legacy ⚰️

🕊️ Final Years

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

William Raymond Manchester

Military Service

Education and Early Career

Professional Journey

Journalism and Mentorship

Academia and Rigorous Regimen

The Authorial Voice

Notable Literary Contributions

Seminal Biographies and Histories

Recognition and Honors

National Humanities Medal

Abraham Lincoln Literary Award

Other Distinctions

Personal Life

Family Life

Passing and Legacy

Final Years

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice