# James Thurber

> American cartoonist, author, journalist, playwright (1894–1961)

**Wikidata**: [Q124527](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124527)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Thurber)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-thurber

## Summary
James Thurber was an American cartoonist, author, journalist, and playwright (1894–1961) renowned for his humor, wit, and contributions to 20th-century literature and visual art. He is best known for creating the iconic character Walter Mitty and for his work as a cartoonist and writer for *The New Yorker*, shaping American humor and satire.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Attended Ohio State University
- **Known for:** Creating the character Walter Mitty, contributing to *The New Yorker*, and authoring humorous essays, short stories, and cartoons
- **Employer(s):** *The New Yorker*, *Chicago Tribune*
- **Field(s):** Literature, journalism, cartooning, playwriting, humor

## Contributions
James Thurber made significant contributions to American literature and humor through his writings and cartoons. His most notable works include:
- **Walter Mitty (1939):** A short story featuring the daydreaming protagonist Walter Mitty, which became a cultural touchstone and was later adapted into films.
- **Cartoons and Illustrations:** Thurber’s distinctive, often whimsical cartoons appeared regularly in *The New Yorker*, blending humor with social commentary.
- **Essays and Short Stories:** He authored numerous essays and short stories, often characterized by their wit, satire, and keen observations of human behavior.
- **Plays:** Thurber also wrote plays, contributing to the theatrical landscape of his time.
- **Books:** His collected works, including *My Life and Hard Times* (1933) and *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty* (1939), remain influential in American literature.

## FAQs
**What is James Thurber best known for?**
James Thurber is best known for creating the character Walter Mitty, whose daydreaming adventures became a symbol of escapism and imagination in American culture. His work as a cartoonist and humorist for *The New Yorker* also cemented his legacy.

**Where did James Thurber work?**
Thurber was affiliated with *The New Yorker*, where his cartoons and writings were prominently featured. He also contributed to the *Chicago Tribune* earlier in his career.

**What themes did James Thurber explore in his work?**
Thurber’s work often explored themes of human foibles, social satire, and the absurdities of everyday life. His humor was both clever and accessible, resonating with a broad audience.

**What awards or recognition did James Thurber receive?**
While the source material does not list specific awards, Thurber’s influence is evident in his enduring popularity and the cultural impact of his works, such as *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*.

**How did James Thurber influence American humor?**
Thurber’s unique blend of wit, satire, and visual humor helped shape the tone of *The New Yorker* and influenced generations of humorists and cartoonists. His work remains a benchmark for clever, observational comedy.

## Why They Matter
James Thurber matters because he redefined American humor through his sharp wit, relatable characters, and innovative cartoons. His creation of Walter Mitty introduced a new archetype of the daydreamer, influencing literature, film, and popular culture. Without Thurber, the landscape of 20th-century humor would lack its blend of sophistication and accessibility. His work at *The New Yorker* set a standard for literary and visual satire that continues to inspire writers and artists today.

## Notable For
- Creating the iconic character Walter Mitty.
- Being a prolific cartoonist and humorist for *The New Yorker*.
- Authoring influential essays and short stories.
- Writing plays that contributed to American theater.
- Shaping the tone and style of modern American humor.
- Being affiliated with Ohio State University and the *Chicago Tribune*.
- Having a lasting impact on satire and literary humor.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
James Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University, where he began developing his skills as a writer and artist. His early experiences in Ohio influenced his later work, which often reflected Midwestern sensibilities and humor.

### Career and Major Works
Thurber’s career took off when he joined *The New Yorker* in the 1920s, where he became one of its most celebrated contributors. His cartoons, characterized by their simple yet expressive style, became a staple of the magazine. In 1939, he published *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*, a short story that introduced the world to the daydreaming protagonist Walter Mitty. The story’s success led to its adaptation into films and its enduring place in American culture.

In addition to his cartoons and short stories, Thurber wrote essays, plays, and books. His collection *My Life and Hard Times* (1933) is a seminal work of autobiographical humor, blending personal anecdotes with sharp wit. His ability to capture the absurdities of everyday life made his work widely accessible and beloved.

### Influence and Legacy
Thurber’s influence extends beyond literature into the broader cultural landscape. His creation of Walter Mitty has become a shorthand for escapism and imagination, referenced in films, television, and everyday conversation. His work at *The New Yorker* helped define the magazine’s voice, blending sophistication with humor in a way that resonated with readers.

Thurber’s legacy is also evident in the numerous adaptations of his work. *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty* has been adapted into films multiple times, most notably in 1947 and 2013, introducing new generations to his iconic character. His cartoons and writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their wit, insight, and enduring appeal.

### Affiliations and Connections
Thurber was affiliated with Ohio State University, where he received his education, and the *Chicago Tribune*, where he worked early in his career. His most significant professional affiliation was with *The New Yorker*, where his contributions helped shape the magazine’s identity.

### Personal Life and Death
James Thurber passed away on November 2, 1961. His work remains a cornerstone of American humor and literature, celebrated for its cleverness, warmth, and timeless appeal. His influence can be seen in the work of later humorists and cartoonists, who continue to draw inspiration from his unique blend of wit and wisdom.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.thurberhouse.org/james-thurber)
3. BnF authorities
4. Museum of Modern Art online collection
5. Genealogics
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.thurber)
11. National Archives Catalog
12. Library of Congress Authorities
13. Carnegie Hall linked open data
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Internet Broadway Database
16. Find a Grave
17. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
18. Comiclopedia
19. NooSFere
20. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
21. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
22. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. nobelprize.org
25. CONOR.SI
26. Goodreads
27. Quora
28. [The New Yorker. 2010](https://www.newyorker.com/books/double-take/eighty-five-from-the-archive-james-thurber)
29. LIBRIS. 2016
30. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
31. The Movie Database
32. Catalogo of the National Library of India