John O'Hara, American novelist and short story writer (b. 1905)

John Henry O'Hara (January 31, 1905 – April 11, 1970) emerged as one of the most remarkably prolific and significant American writers of the 20th century. A master of the short story and a best-selling novelist, O'Hara left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, even if his ultimate standing remains a subject of considerable debate among critics and scholars. His career began with a bang, achieving best-seller status as a novelist before the age of 30 with acclaimed works like Appointment in Samarra and BUtterfield 8, establishing him as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction.

Beyond his early success in novels, O'Hara is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the American short story. He is often credited with helping to invent, and certainly define, the distinctive 'New Yorker magazine short story style.' This style, which became highly influential, was characterized by its sophisticated urbanity, psychological depth, precise dialogue, and keen observations of social nuances, often focusing on the lives of the American upper and middle classes. His stories offered a microscopic view into the aspirations, frustrations, and unspoken rules of society, painting vivid portraits of his time.

A Legacy of Debate and Discovery

While O'Hara's champions unequivocally rank him among the unjustly neglected and under-appreciated major American writers of the 20th century, his legacy has faced a unique challenge in reaching new generations. A curious, and perhaps self-sabotaging, decision on his part contributed significantly to his diminished presence in academic circles: he famously refused to allow his work to be reprinted in the anthologies widely used to teach literature at the college level. Consequently, few college students educated after his death in 1970 have had the opportunity to discover his extensive and nuanced body of work through standard curricula.

Despite this academic oversight, the enduring power and unique qualities of O'Hara's writing continue to captivate those who seek him out. Lorin Stein, then editor-in-chief of the prestigious *Paris Review*, articulated this appeal in a compelling 2013 appreciation of O'Hara's work. Stein declared, "O’Hara may not have been the best story writer of the twentieth century, but he is the most addictive," drawing a parallel to the popular television series *Mad Men*. He elaborated, "You can binge on his collections the way some people binge on Mad Men, and for some of the same reasons. On the topics of class, sex, and alcohol—that is, the topics that mattered to him—his novels amount to a secret history of American life." This notion of a "secret history" highlights O'Hara's remarkable ability to delve into the unspoken realities and social codes that governed American society, particularly regarding social hierarchies, intimate relationships, and the pervasive role of alcohol.

His literary approach stood out from many of his contemporaries due to its unwavering and unvarnished realism. O'Hara possessed a keen ear for dialogue and an unflinching eye for the complexities of human nature, never shying away from depicting the less glamorous, more conflicted aspects of his characters' lives. This commitment to realism, often reflecting the harsh truths of human interaction and social stratification, lent his work a timeless quality that still resonates.

Challenges and Posthumous Reappraisal

O'Hara's personal life and often combative personality undoubtedly played a role in the reception of his work, accumulating a fair share of detractors during his lifetime. His famously outsized and easily bruised ego, coupled with what was often described as alcoholic crankiness and long-held resentments, created friction within literary circles. Furthermore, his politically conservative views in the 1960s were decidedly unfashionable amongst the predominantly liberal literary establishment, leading to further alienation and perhaps contributing to the critical coolness he sometimes encountered.

Despite these personal controversies, the sheer quality and volume of his literary output were undeniable. His popularity extended beyond the pages, with five of O'Hara's works successfully adapted into popular films during the 1950s and 1960s, further cementing his place in the cultural zeitgeist of the era. Following his death, a renewed appreciation began to surface. John Updike, a revered author and an admirer of O'Hara's writing, aptly captured this sentiment, remarking that the prolific author "out-produced our capacity for appreciation; maybe now we can settle down and marvel at him all over again." Updike's words suggest that O'Hara's vast and insightful body of work might finally be ripe for a comprehensive re-evaluation, allowing readers and scholars alike to fully grasp the depth and breadth of his contribution to American letters.

Frequently Asked Questions About John O'Hara

Who was John O'Hara?
John Henry O'Hara (1905–1970) was an American author widely recognized for his prolific output of short stories and successful novels. He is particularly noted for his contributions to the distinctive "New Yorker style" of short fiction and for his keen, realistic observations of American society, especially regarding class, sex, and alcohol.
What was O'Hara's contribution to The New Yorker?
John O'Hara is credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping the iconic "New Yorker magazine short story style." This style emphasized sophisticated urban settings, nuanced psychological portraits, crisp dialogue, and a sharp focus on social dynamics, influencing a generation of writers.
Why is John O'Hara considered "under-appreciated" or "neglected"?
One of the primary reasons for his relative obscurity among later generations of students is his personal decision to prohibit his works from being reprinted in college-level literary anthologies. This choice effectively removed his writing from standard academic curricula, limiting its exposure to new readers.
What made O'Hara's writing unique?
O'Hara's work stood out for its "unvarnished realism." He offered a detailed and often candid portrayal of American life, particularly focusing on the intricate social hierarchies, sexual dynamics, and the pervasive role of alcohol. His acute ear for dialogue and observational precision allowed him to create a "secret history" of his era.
Were any of O'Hara's works adapted into films?
Yes, several of John O'Hara's works achieved popularity as film adaptations. Five of his stories and novels were adapted into successful movies during the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing his appeal to a wider audience beyond just readers.
What were some criticisms or controversies surrounding John O'Hara?
O'Hara accumulated detractors due to his personality, which was described as having an outsized and easily bruised ego, alcoholic crankiness, and long-held resentments. Additionally, his politically conservative views in the 1960s were often at odds with the prevailing liberal sentiments in literary circles, contributing to a complex public and critical reception.