Bernard DeVoto, American historian and author (d. 1955)

Bernard Augustine DeVoto (January 11, 1897 – November 13, 1955) was a highly influential and multifaceted American man of letters. Throughout his distinguished career, he excelled as a historian, essayist, columnist, teacher, editor, and literary reviewer, leaving an indelible mark on American intellectual life and the understanding of its history.

DeVoto was widely recognized for his incisive intellect, his passionate advocacy for the American landscape, and his often-combative style, which made him a prominent voice in mid-20th century American discourse.

Historian of the American West: A Pulitzer-Winning Legacy

Perhaps DeVoto's most enduring legacy stems from his profound contributions as a historian of the American West. He authored a celebrated trilogy of popular histories that brilliantly illuminated the westward expansion of the United States, making complex historical periods accessible and engaging to a wide audience. This monumental series included:

DeVoto's historical writing was characterized by rigorous research combined with a vivid, narrative style, distinguishing him from more academic historians of his time and allowing his works to resonate deeply with the general public.

The Easy Chair: An Influential Column in Harper's Magazine

For two decades, from 1935 until his death in 1955, DeVoto penned "The Easy Chair," an influential and widely read monthly column for Harper's Magazine. This platform served as a powerful pulpit, allowing him to address a vast array of topics that ranged from literary criticism and conservation efforts to academic freedom, civil liberties, and the cultural landscape of America. His trenchant observations, sharp wit, and unwavering defense of intellectual integrity made "The Easy Chair" a significant voice in American journalism, often sparking vigorous debate and shaping public opinion on critical issues of his time. Through this column, DeVoto became known for his fierce opposition to McCarthyism and his strong stance on the preservation of public lands, particularly in the Western United States.

Other Literary and Public Roles

Beyond his celebrated historical works and his iconic column, Bernard DeVoto was a prolific writer of fiction, authoring several well-regarded novels such as The Crooked Mile (1924) and Mountain Time (1947). His skills as an editor were honed during his tenure at The Saturday Review of Literature from 1936 to 1938, where he helped shape critical discourse. He was also a respected teacher, notably at Harvard University, where he shared his vast knowledge and passion for literature and history. His critical acumen was evident in his numerous book reviews, which were known for their candor and insightful analysis, establishing him as a prominent literary critic.

Furthermore, in the 1950s, DeVoto lent his considerable writing talents to the political arena, serving as a key speechwriter for Adlai Stevenson, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in both the 1952 and 1956 elections. This role highlighted DeVoto's deep engagement with contemporary American politics and his commitment to progressive ideals.

A Complex and Stimulating Figure: Wallace Stegner's Perspective

Bernard DeVoto was undeniably a complex and often controversial figure, yet his impact was profound and multifaceted. His close friend and biographer, the acclaimed author Wallace Stegner, captured this multifaceted personality eloquently in his definitive biography, The Uneasy Chair: A Biography of Bernard DeVoto, published in 1974. Stegner described DeVoto as "flawed, brilliant, provocative, outrageous, ... often wrong, often spectacularly right, always stimulating, sometimes infuriating, and never, never dull." This vivid portrayal underscores DeVoto's intellectual vitality, his uncompromising dedication to truth as he saw it, and his unwavering commitment to stirring thought and challenging conventions. His legacy endures as one of America's most dynamic and influential literary voices of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernard DeVoto

What was Bernard DeVoto primarily known for?
Bernard DeVoto was primarily known for his Pulitzer-Prize-winning historical writings on the American West, particularly his trilogy including Across the Wide Missouri, and his influential monthly column "The Easy Chair" in Harper's Magazine, which he wrote for two decades.
Which of Bernard DeVoto's books won a Pulitzer Prize?
Bernard DeVoto won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1948 for his book Across the Wide Missouri, which vividly detailed the fur trade era and the lives of mountain men in the 1830s.
What was "The Easy Chair" column about?
"The Easy Chair" was a monthly column in Harper's Magazine penned by Bernard DeVoto from 1935 to 1955. It covered a wide range of topics, including literary criticism, conservation, academic freedom, civil liberties, and American culture, serving as a significant platform for his sharp social and political commentary.
What was Bernard DeVoto's connection to Wallace Stegner?
Wallace Stegner was a close friend and the biographer of Bernard DeVoto. Stegner's acclaimed 1974 biography, The Uneasy Chair: A Biography of Bernard DeVoto, provides an in-depth and often candid look at DeVoto's complex life and career, including the memorable quote about DeVoto being "flawed, brilliant, provocative... and never, never dull."
Did Bernard DeVoto have a role in politics?
Yes, in the 1950s, Bernard DeVoto served as a speechwriter for Adlai Stevenson, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in the 1952 and 1956 elections, demonstrating his engagement with contemporary American politics.