Maxwell Anderson A prominent American playwright and theatre theorist. Date of Birth: 15.12.1888 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. University and Early Career
3. Journalism and Pacifism
4. Playwright Debut
5. Success and Collaboration
6. Historical Dramas and Social Commentary
7. Later Works and Awards

Early Life and Education

Maxwell Anderson was born into a large, impoverished family in Ohio. His father was a lumberjack, fireman, and Baptist preacher, which necessitated the family's frequent relocation throughout the Midwest. Anderson received a fragmented education, attending numerous schools but voraciously reading books.

University and Early Career

In 1908, Anderson enrolled at the University of North Dakota, where he was first exposed to theater. After graduating, he taught English in Minnesota and San Francisco while pursuing a master's degree in English at Stanford University. He published his first articles and poems during this time.

Journalism and Pacifism

Anderson became a professor at Whittier College in California in 1917, but his pacifist views during World War I led to backlash from the college administration and his dismissal. He then worked as a journalist for the "San Francisco Chronicle" and New York's "New Republic" and "New-York World," where he covered the theater.

Playwright Debut

In 1920, Anderson wrote his first play, "White Desert," a verse drama that received a lukewarm reception. However, it caught the attention of journalist Laurence Stallings, who collaborated with Anderson on the anti-war play "What Price Glory?" which became a major success in 1924.

Success and Collaboration

Anderson and Stallings went on to write several more plays together, but their partnership eventually dissolved. In 1927, Anderson's comedy "Saturday's Children" and the drama "Gods of the Lightning," co-written with Harold Hicker, were critical and commercial triumphs. "Gods of the Lightning" explored the Sacco and Vanzetti case, highlighting social injustice.

Historical Dramas and Social Commentary

Anderson purchased a farm near New City, New York, in the early 1920s. He wrote prolifically, including historical dramas such as "Elizabeth the Queen," "Mary of Scotland," and "Valley Forge." In 1933, he penned "Both Your Houses," a satirical commentary on American politics that won him the Pulitzer Prize.

Later Works and Awards

In 1935, Anderson released "Winterset," a sequel to "Gods of the Lightning" that explored political corruption. It won the Circle Critics Award. He received a second Circle Critics Award for "High Tor" in 1937.