# Patricia Highsmith

> American novelist and short story writer (1921–1995)

**Wikidata**: [Q270635](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q270635)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Highsmith)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patricia-highsmith

## Summary
Patricia Highsmith was an American novelist and short story writer (1921–1995) best known for her psychological thrillers, particularly the Tom Ripley series. She authored iconic novels like *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1955) and *Strangers on a Train* (1950), which were adapted into major films. Her work often explored themes of morality and obsession, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1921  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**: Barnard College  
- **Known for**: Psychological thrillers, Tom Ripley series  
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations**: Barnard College  
- **Field(s)**: Novelist, short story writer, screenwriter  

## Contributions
- **Novels**:  
  - *Strangers on a Train* (1950)  
  - *The Price of Salt* (1952, published under pseudonym Claire Morgan)  
  - *The Blunderer* (1954)  
  - *Deep Water* (1957)  
  - *The Cry of the Owl* (1962)  
  - *Edith’s Diary* (1977)  
  - *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1955)  
  - *Ripley Under Ground* (1970)  
  - *Ripley Under Water* (1991)  
  - *The Boy Who Followed Ripley* (1980)  
- **Character Creation**: Tom Ripley, a con artist featured in five novels.  
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière.  

## FAQs
**Q: Where did Patricia Highsmith study?**  
A: She was affiliated with Barnard College, a private women’s liberal arts college in the United States.  

**Q: What are her most famous works?**  
A: Her Tom Ripley series, including *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1955), and standalone novels like *Strangers on a Train* (1950) and *The Price of Salt* (1952).  

**Q: Did she write under pseudonyms?**  
A: Yes, she used the aliases Claire Morgan (for *The Price of Salt*) and Mary Patricia Plangman.  

**Q: What awards did she receive?**  
A: She won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, a prestigious French literary prize.  

**Q: Who are notable figures associated with her work?**  
A: Authors Jonathan Lethem and Ruth Rendell are linked to her legacy, reflecting her influence on crime and psychological fiction.  

## Why They Matter
Patricia Highsmith redefined the psychological thriller genre with her complex, morally ambiguous characters and gripping plots. Her Tom Ripley series revolutionized crime fiction, inspiring film adaptations like *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1999). Her exploration of human darkness influenced writers such as Jonathan Lethem and Ruth Rendell, cementing her status as a master of suspense. Without her, the literary landscape of psychological thrillers would lack a foundational voice known for unsettling realism.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière.  
- Creator of the iconic anti-hero Tom Ripley.  
- Pioneering portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes in *The Price of Salt* (1952).  
- Adaptations of her work into major films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s *Strangers on a Train* (1951).  
- Prolific career spanning over four decades (1950–1995).  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Patricia Highsmith was born in 1921 in the United States. She attended Barnard College, a private women’s liberal arts institution, though specific details about her academic focus are not provided. Her early life laid the groundwork for a writing career that began in earnest in 1950.

### Career and Major Works  
Highsmith’s literary career started with *Strangers on a Train* (1950), a novel adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock the following year. She gained widespread recognition for *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1955), the first in a series featuring the charismatic con artist Tom Ripley. The character anchored four more novels: *Ripley Under Ground* (1970), *Ripley’s Game* (1974), *The Boy Who Followed Ripley* (1980), and *Ripley Under Water* (1991).  

Beyond the Ripley series, Highsmith explored diverse themes in novels like *The Price of Salt* (1952), a groundbreaking portrayal of a lesbian relationship published under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. Her other works, such as *The Blunderer* (1954) and *Edith’s Diary* (1977), showcased her mastery of psychological tension.  

### Style and Themes  
Highsmith’s writing was distinguished by her ability to craft suspenseful narratives centered on morally complex characters. Her stories often probed the darker aspects of human nature, avoiding simplistic distinctions between good and evil. This approach earned her critical acclaim and a reputation as a trailblazer in the thriller genre.  

### Awards and Recognition  
Her novel *Strangers on a Train* won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, a French literary award recognizing excellence in crime fiction. This honor underscored her international influence and appeal.  

### Legacy and Influence  
Highsmith’s work has inspired generations of writers, including Jonathan Lethem and Ruth Rendell, who admired her nuanced characterization and psychological depth. Her novels have been adapted into numerous films, introducing her stories to global audiences. The Tom Ripley series, in particular, remains a landmark in crime literature, ensuring her enduring relevance in contemporary fiction.  

### Affiliations and Pseudonyms  
Highsmith’s affiliation with Barnard College reflects her intellectual roots, though the nature of her connection to the institution is not fully detailed in available sources. She wrote under the pseudonyms Claire Morgan and Mary Patricia Plangman, strategic choices that allowed her to explore sensitive topics, such as LGBTQ+ relationships, during a socially conservative era.  

Through her prolific output and fearless storytelling, Patricia Highsmith left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature, solidifying her legacy as a visionary in the realm of psychological suspense.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/carol/true-story-patricia-highsmith-lesbian-affairs/)
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/31/books/review/31HARRIST.html)
5. The Fine Art Archive
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9. [A Point of View: Tom Ripley and the meaning of evil. 2013](https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22551083)
10. [Source](http://awards.omnimystery.com/mystery-awards-grand-prix.html)
11. [Source](https://www.babelio.com/prix/63/Humour-noir)
12. [Source](http://www.inthemoodfordeauville.com/prix_litteraire_2007/)
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18. [Source](http://ead.nb.admin.ch/html/highsmith_C-06.html)
19. [Source](https://www.helveticarchives.ch/detail.aspx?ID=165068)
20. IMDb
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35. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_159)
36. [Source](http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/H_Authors/Highsmith_Patricia.html)
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42. Patricia Highsmith (1921-1995) | Open Library. Open Library
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44. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
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