# Peter Matthiessen

> American novelist (1927–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q892108](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q892108)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Matthiessen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-matthiessen

## Summary
Peter Matthiessen was an American novelist, naturalist, and environmental activist who lived from 1927 to 2014. He was a two-time National Book Award winner and a prominent figure in American literature, known for his works that explored nature, indigenous cultures, and social justice issues.

## Biography
- Born: May 22, 1927
- Nationality: American
- Education: Yale University, Hotchkiss School
- Known for: American novelist, naturalist, and environmental activist
- Employer(s): Yale University (alma mater)
- Field(s): Literature, natural history, environmental activism

## Contributions
Peter Matthiessen authored numerous influential books throughout his career, including "The Snow Leopard" (1978), which won the National Book Award for Contemporary Thought, and "Shadow Country" (2008), which won the National Book Award for Fiction. He was also a co-founder of The Paris Review, a prestigious literary magazine. Matthiessen's work often focused on environmental issues and indigenous cultures, as seen in books like "Wildlife in America" (1959) and "Indian Country" (1984).

## FAQs
What is Peter Matthiessen known for?
Peter Matthiessen was known for his novels, non-fiction works on nature and indigenous cultures, and his environmental activism. He won two National Book Awards and co-founded The Paris Review.

Where did Peter Matthiessen study?
Peter Matthiessen attended Yale University for his higher education and graduated from the Hotchkiss School.

What awards did Peter Matthiessen receive?
Peter Matthiessen received the National Book Award twice: once for "The Snow Leopard" in 1979 and again for "Shadow Country" in 2008. He also received the John Burroughs Medal for distinguished natural history writing.

What was Peter Matthiessen's connection to The Paris Review?
Peter Matthiessen was a co-founder of The Paris Review, a prestigious literary magazine, in 1953.

## Why They Matter
Peter Matthiessen's work significantly impacted American literature and environmental awareness. His books bridged the gap between fiction and non-fiction, often blending elements of both to create compelling narratives about nature and human experiences. Matthiessen's writing brought attention to environmental issues and indigenous cultures, influencing public perception and policy. His unique approach to storytelling and his commitment to social and environmental causes made him a respected figure in both literary and activist circles.

## Notable For
- Two-time National Book Award winner
- Co-founder of The Paris Review
- Author of "The Snow Leopard," a landmark work in nature writing
- Recipient of the John Burroughs Medal for distinguished natural history writing
- Known for blending fiction and non-fiction in his works
- Environmental activist and advocate for indigenous rights
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Peter Matthiessen was born on May 22, 1927, in New York City. He attended the Hotchkiss School, a prestigious preparatory school in Connecticut, before going on to study at Yale University. His education at these institutions laid the foundation for his future career as a writer and intellectual.

### Literary Career
Matthiessen's literary career spanned over five decades, during which he authored more than 30 books. His work encompassed both fiction and non-fiction, often blurring the lines between the two genres. Matthiessen's writing style was characterized by its lyrical prose and deep engagement with themes of nature, spirituality, and social justice.

### Notable Works
Among Matthiessen's most acclaimed works are:
- "The Snow Leopard" (1978): A blend of nature writing, travel literature, and spiritual memoir that won the National Book Award for Contemporary Thought.
- "Shadow Country" (2008): A reimagining of his earlier Watson trilogy, which won the National Book Award for Fiction.
- "At Play in the Fields of the Lord" (1965): A novel exploring the clash between missionaries and indigenous people in the Amazon.
- "Far Tortuga" (1975): An experimental novel set among Caribbean turtle fishermen.

### Environmental Activism
Throughout his life, Matthiessen was deeply committed to environmental causes. His non-fiction works often focused on endangered species and threatened ecosystems. "Wildlife in America" (1959) was one of the first books to draw attention to the plight of endangered species in the United States. Matthiessen's activism extended beyond his writing; he was involved in various conservation efforts and used his platform to advocate for environmental protection.

### Cultural Exploration
Matthiessen's work frequently explored indigenous cultures and their struggles. "Indian Country" (1984) examined the history and current state of Native American communities. His trilogy "The Watson Legend" (later revised as "Shadow Country") delved into the complex history of the American South and its treatment of indigenous peoples.

### The Paris Review
In 1953, Matthiessen co-founded The Paris Review, a literary magazine that would become one of the most influential in the English-speaking world. The magazine provided a platform for emerging writers and poets, and Matthiessen's involvement in its creation marked the beginning of his significant influence on the literary world.

### Awards and Recognition
Matthiessen's contributions to literature and environmental awareness were recognized with numerous awards. In addition to his two National Book Awards, he received the John Burroughs Medal for distinguished natural history writing. He was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a prestigious honor society recognizing excellence in the arts.

### Legacy
Peter Matthiessen's legacy lies in his unique ability to combine literary excellence with environmental and social consciousness. His works continue to be studied and admired for their poetic language, deep ecological insights, and nuanced exploration of human-nature relationships. Matthiessen's influence extends beyond literature, having contributed significantly to environmental awareness and the understanding of indigenous cultures in American society.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/06/us-usa-matthiessen-idUSBREA3501P20140406)
3. [Source](http://www.countercurrents.org/banerjee070414.htm)
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/11/23/home/matthiessen-silences.html)
5. [Source](http://www.theparisreview.org/miscellaneous/6320/peter-matthiessen-1927-2014-terry-mcdonell)
6. BnF authorities
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/travel/17explore.html?pagewanted=all)
8. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/11/23/home/matthiessen.html)
9. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/video/obituaries/100000002999087/robert-gardner-and-peter-matthiessen.html)
10. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/03/books/03styron.html)
11. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/11/23/home/matthiessen-raditzer.html)
12. [Source](https://sah.columbia.edu/content/prizes/society-american-historians-prize-historical-fiction-formerly-known-james-fenimore)
13. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/the-snow-leopard/)
14. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/shadow-country/)
15. [Source](https://www.heinzawards.org/pages/peter-matthiessen)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. [BnF authorities](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb119151685)
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20. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=00219)
21. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/505/000063316/)
22. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/books/peter-matthiessen-author-and-naturalist-is-dead-at-86.html)
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28. [NNDB](https://www.nndb.com/people/508/000104196/)
29. [The Paris Review](https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/04/05/peter-matthiessen-1927-2014/)
30. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb119151685)
31. Autoritats UB
32. Goodreads
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34. The Movie Database
35. [The Paris Review](https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/985/the-art-of-fiction-no-157-peter-matthiessen)
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