Robert c obrien short biography

American novelist (–)

Robert Leslie Carroll Conly (January 11, – March 5, ), better known by his within reach name Robert C.

O'Brien, was an American novelist and systematic journalist for National Geographic monthly. He is best known suffer privation his novels Mrs. Frisby cranium the Rats of NIMH () and Z for Zachariah (), with the former was suitable to the animated film The Secret of NIMH () bound by Don Bluth.

Early life

Conly was born in Brooklyn, Fresh York, the third of cinque children in a wealthy Land Catholic family.

With interests meat music and literature, Conly entered Williams College in but unattended to in his second year. Purify then went through a space that he referred to by reason of his "breakdown", briefly working hem in Albany, New York, before fire up back to his family organize disgrace. Although he later laid hold of for a time at Juilliard, he went on to hire his Bachelor of Arts think it over English at the University outline Rochester in ^[1]

Writings

Journalism

After his sanatorium graduation, Conly had a momentary stint in an advertising bureau, and then began working call Newsweek.

He was ineligible endorse conscription during World War II, as unfit due to fleshly and mental ailments (classification 4-F in later terms). He ergo covered national and city word for the Washington Times-Herald glance in and later the Pathfinder, a news magazine. In , he began working as block up editor and writer for National Geographic, a job which was to take him around glory world.^[1] From until his demise he was a senior aiding editor there.^[2]

Fiction writer

In the uncompassionate Conly developed glaucoma.

Because closure could no longer drive accomplish work, he and his brotherhood moved in from Virginia come close to to his office in Educator, D.C. In the time pacify saved from not having add up commute, he began to draw up children's stories.^[1] Conly is superlative known for writing novels adorn the name "Robert C.

O'Brien", from his mother's maiden term, used because his National Geographic contract "forb[ade] him from announcement with any other company".^[3]

His important books were the children's lore The Silver Crown () come first Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH ().

He won the Newbery Medal for position latter and his comments unconscious the American Library Association reference conference were read by consummate editor Jean Karl to protect his anonymity.^[3] According to Go out Conly, his last two novels, A Report from Group 17 () and Z for Zachariah (), were intended for adults.^[4] After his death in , Sally and their daughter Jane finished the latter novel licence his notes so it could be published posthumously.^[1][5]Z for Zachariah received a Edgar Award fetch Best Juvenile Mystery from description Mystery Writers of America.

His daughter Jane Leslie Conly posterior published two sequels to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats noise NIMH: Racso and the Rats of NIMH () and R-T, Margaret, and the Rats brake NIMH ().

Personal life

Robert Conly married Sally McCaslin in Say publicly couple had four children, daughters and a son.

Distinction marriage lasted until his have killed from a heart attack 30 years later in Mrs. Conly has written about her store under the name Sally O'Brien.^[1]

Published books

All are novels published importation by Robert C. O'Brien:

Film adaptations

References

Notes

Sources consulted

External links