# Nella Larsen

> American novelist, librarian, nurse (1891–1964)

**Wikidata**: [Q453665](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q453665)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nella_Larsen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nella-larsen

## Summary
Nella Larsen (1891–1964) was an American novelist, librarian, and nurse recognized as a significant literary figure of the Harlem Renaissance. She is best known for her novels exploring complex issues of race and identity, including *Passing*.

## Biography
- Born: April 13 or 14, 1891
- Died: March 30, 1964
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Fisk University; Columbia University; University of Copenhagen
- Known for: Novel writing, librarianship, nursing
- Employer(s): New York Public Library; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Field(s): Literature, library science, healthcare
- Aliases: Nellallitea Larsen, Nellallitea Walker, Allen Semi, Nellye Larsen, Nellie Walker, Nella Larsen Imes

## Contributions
Nella Larsen authored novels, including the notable work *Passing*. She received the Guggenheim Fellowship, a prestigious grant in the arts awarded annually, and the William E. Harmon Foundation award for distinguished achievement among Negroes, an award offered for distinguished achievements in eight different fields (established 1926).

## FAQs
**What was Nella Larsen's professional background?**
Nella Larsen worked as a novelist, librarian at the New York Public Library, and nurse at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

**What awards did Nella Larsen receive?**
Larsen received a Guggenheim Fellowship and the William E. Harmon Foundation award for distinguished achievement among Negroes.

**Where did Nella Larsen study?**
Larsen studied at Fisk University, Columbia University, and the University of Copenhagen.

**What is Nella Larsen's notable work?**
Larsen is notably the author of the novel *Passing*.

## Why They Matter
Nella Larsen's literary works, particularly *Passing*, have secured her place as an important voice in American literature. Her exploration of race, identity, and social boundaries continues to resonate with readers and scholars. Recognition through the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Harmon Foundation award highlights the esteem in which her contributions were held. Her multifaceted career—as a novelist, librarian, and nurse—demonstrates a remarkable range of professional accomplishment.

## Notable For
- Author of the novel *Passing*
- Recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship
- Recipient of the William E. Harmon Foundation award for distinguished achievement among Negroes (established 1926)
- Librarian at the New York Public Library (founded 1895)
- Nurse at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (founded 1870)
- Educated at Fisk University (founded 1866), Columbia University (founded 1754), and the University of Copenhagen (founded 1479)
- Known by multiple names: Nellallitea Larsen, Nellallitea Walker, Allen Semi, Nellye Larsen, Nellie Walker, Nella Larsen Imes

## Body

### Early Life and Names
Nella Larsen was born on April 13 or 14, 1891. She was known by several names throughout her life, including Nellallitea Larsen, Nellallitea Walker, Allen Semi, Nellye Larsen, Nellie Walker, and Nella Larsen Imes. The birth name Nellie Walker is also recorded.

### Education
Larsen's educational path included study at three institutions:
- **Fisk University**: A historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 1866
- **Columbia University**: A private university in New York City, founded in 1754
- **University of Copenhagen**: A public research university in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1479

### Career
Larsen pursued three distinct professional fields:
- **Novelist and Writer**: Author of novels, including *Passing*
- **Librarian**: Employed at the New York Public Library, a public library system in New York City founded in 1895, with approximately 3,150 employees
- **Nurse**: Worked with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a government department founded in 1870

### Awards and Recognition
Larsen received two notable recognitions:
- **Guggenheim Fellowship**: A grant in the arts awarded annually, established in 1925 in the United States
- **William E. Harmon Foundation award for distinguished achievement among Negroes**: An award offered for distinguished achievements in eight different fields, established in 1926 in the United States

### Notable Works
Larsen's literary output includes the novel *Passing*, which remains her most recognized work.

### Affiliations
Larsen was connected to several major American institutions:
- New York Public Library (headquartered in New York City)
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Fisk University (a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee)
- Columbia University (a private university in New York City)

### Identity and Classification
Larsen was a United States citizen and is classified as a human (Homo sapiens). Her occupations are categorized as novelist, writer, librarian, and nurse.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Guggenheim Fellows database
3. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/larsen-nella-1891-1963/)
4. BnF authorities
5. Encyclopedia of African American Women Writers
6. datos.bne.es
7. American Women Writers
8. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/scm/20653)
9. Find a Grave
10. Notable Black American Women
11. BlackPast.org
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. CiNii Research
15. [Overlooked: Nella Larsen. 2018](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/obituaries/overlooked-nella-larsen.html)
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. SNAC
18. FemBio database
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. CONOR.SI
21. Obálky knih
22. BBC Things
23. LIBRIS. 2008