John Matteson, American biographer
About John Matteson: A Life in Law, Literature, and History
John Matteson, born on March 3, 1961, stands as a distinguished American academic, known for his profound contributions to both legal scholarship and literary biography. Currently, he serves as a professor of English and legal writing at the esteemed John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and passion for the written word. Matteson's career is particularly marked by his literary achievements, most notably the coveted 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, an honor bestowed upon him for his groundbreaking debut, Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father. This work not only captured critical acclaim but also solidified his reputation as a meticulous researcher and an engaging storyteller.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Matteson's roots trace back to San Mateo, California, where he was born into a family with a legacy of intellect and accomplishment. His father, Thomas D. Matteson (1920–2011), was a prominent airline executive, instrumental in the development of reliability-centered maintenance theory—a critical advancement in engineering. His mother, Rosemary H. Matteson (1920–2010), initially pursued a career as a commercial artist before dedicating herself to her family as a homemaker. This blend of technical innovation and artistic expression perhaps set the stage for John Matteson's own multidisciplinary pursuits.
His foundational education began at Menlo School in Atherton, California. He then matriculated at Princeton University, graduating in 1983 with an A.B. in history. His senior thesis, a comprehensive 178-page study titled "The Confederate Cotton Embargo, 1861-1862: A Study in States' Rights," offered an early glimpse into his deep analytical skills and interest in American history. Demonstrating a keen intellect across disciplines, Matteson furthered his education by earning a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1986, equipping him with a robust legal framework. Not content to stop there, he later achieved a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University in 1999, weaving together his passion for law, history, and literature into a formidable academic tapestry.
From Law Practice to Literary Acclaim
Before dedicating himself fully to academia and writing, John Matteson honed his legal prowess. He served as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle, gaining invaluable insight into the American judicial system. Subsequently, he practiced as a litigation attorney, first with Titchell, Maltzman, Mark, Bass, Ohleyer & Mishel in San Francisco, and later with Maupin, Taylor, Ellis & Adams in Raleigh, North Carolina. This background in legal writing and argumentation undoubtedly contributed to the clarity and precision evident in his later biographical works.
Matteson's transition from the courtroom to the library proved fruitful, leading to a prolific writing career. His articles have graced the pages of a wide array of prestigious publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New England Quarterly, Streams of William James, and Leviathan, showcasing his versatility and breadth of knowledge.
Notable Works and Contributions
His literary output is characterized by its meticulous research and engaging narrative style, making complex historical and literary figures accessible to a broad audience.
- Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father (2007): This debut earned him the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. Matteson delved deep into the lives of Louisa May Alcott and her transcendentalist philosopher father, Bronson Alcott, offering a nuanced portrait of their complex relationship and its influence on Alcott's iconic works. It's a foundational text for understanding the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped American literature.
- The Lives of Margaret Fuller (2012): Published in January 2012, this biography explored the vibrant, often tumultuous life of Margaret Fuller, a trailblazing journalist, editor, and advocate for women's rights in 19th-century America. The book received the 2012 Ann M. Sperber Prize as the year's outstanding biography of a journalist or media figure. Its excellence was further recognized as a finalist for the inaugural Plutarch Award—the top prize for biography chosen by the Biographers International Organization (BIO)—and was shortlisted for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography, cementing Matteson's reputation as a leading biographer.
- Annotated Edition of Little Women (2015): In November 2015, W. W. Norton & Company published Matteson's annotated edition of Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic, Little Women. This scholarly edition was a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike, featuring exclusive photographs from Alcott's childhood home, Orchard House, alongside numerous illustrations and stills from various film adaptations, providing rich context to the beloved narrative.
- A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation (2021): Demonstrating his continued interest in American history, Matteson's most recent book, published in February 2021, takes a deep dive into one of the Civil War's most brutal and pivotal engagements. This work exemplifies his ability to humanize historical events, exploring their profound impact on individuals and the nation.
Matteson's expertise has also led him to onscreen appearances, notably in the 2018 documentary Orchard House: Home of Little Women, where he shared his insights into Alcott's life and legacy.
Professional Engagements and Personal Life
Beyond his writing and teaching, Matteson is actively involved in the academic community. He is a former treasurer of the Melville Society, dedicated to the study of Herman Melville's works, and serves on the advisory board of the Louisa May Alcott Society, further underscoring his deep engagement with 19th-century American literature. He is also a distinguished fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society and has contributed significantly to biographical scholarship through his tenure as the deputy director of the Leon Levy Center for Biography.
In his personal life, John Matteson married Michelle Rollo in 1991, and they share a daughter. It is important to note, for clarity, that he is distinct from another individual named John Matteson, a professor of speech at Los Angeles City College, who gained media attention in 2008 for an unrelated incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Matteson
- Who is John Matteson?
- John Matteson is an acclaimed American professor, legal scholar, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, primarily known for his biographical works on prominent historical and literary figures.
- What is John Matteson famous for?
- He is most famous for winning the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for his book Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father. He is also recognized for his biographies of Margaret Fuller and his annotated edition of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.
- Where does John Matteson teach?
- John Matteson is a professor of English and legal writing at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
- What are some of his major books?
- His major works include Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, The Lives of Margaret Fuller, his annotated edition of Little Women, and A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation.
- Has he won any awards?
- Yes, he won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for Eden's Outcasts, and The Lives of Margaret Fuller received the 2012 Ann M. Sperber Prize and was a finalist for the inaugural Plutarch Award.
- What is his educational background?
- John Matteson holds an A.B. in history from Princeton University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University.