# Richard Ford

> American novelist and short story writer

**Wikidata**: [Q547794](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q547794)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Ford)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-ford

## Summary
Richard Ford is an American novelist and short story writer known for his distinctive literary style and contributions to American fiction. He has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and is recognized for his ability to craft compelling narratives that explore human nature and societal themes.

## Biography
- Born: February 16, 1944
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Arts in English from Bowdoin College (1966)
  - Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa (1968)
  - Doctor of Letters from Michigan State University (honorary, 2013)
- Known for: Writing novels and short stories that blend realism with psychological depth
- Employer(s):
  - Michigan State University (honorary doctorate)
  - Washington University in St. Louis (affiliated with)
  - Columbia University (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Literature, Fiction Writing

## Contributions
Richard Ford has published multiple novels and short stories, including:
- *Independence Day* (1981), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
- *The Sportswriter* (1986), a novel that explores themes of identity and belonging
- *Let Me Be Frank with You* (1991), a collection of short stories
- *The Lay of the Land* (2006), a novel that delves into the complexities of family and memory

His works are known for their intricate storytelling and exploration of human relationships, often set in rural or working-class settings.

## FAQs
**What is Richard Ford known for?**
Richard Ford is known for his novels and short stories that blend realism with psychological depth, exploring themes of human nature and societal issues.

**Where did Richard Ford study?**
Richard Ford earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bowdoin College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa.

**Has Richard Ford won any major awards?**
Yes, Richard Ford won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel *Independence Day* in 1981.

**What are some notable works by Richard Ford?**
Some notable works by Richard Ford include *The Sportswriter*, *Let Me Be Frank with You*, and *The Lay of the Land*.

**Where has Richard Ford been affiliated?**
Richard Ford has been affiliated with institutions such as Michigan State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Columbia University.

## Why They Matter
Richard Ford's contributions to American literature have significantly influenced the genre of fiction, particularly in his exploration of human relationships and societal themes. His works often feature characters from working-class backgrounds, providing a unique perspective on American life. Ford's ability to craft compelling narratives has earned him a respected place in contemporary literature, and his awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, underscore his impact on the literary world.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1981) for *Independence Day*
- Recipient of the Prix Femina étranger for *The Lay of the Land* (2006)
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Honorary doctorate from Michigan State University

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard Ford was born on February 16, 1944. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Bowdoin College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1966. He later attended the University of Iowa, completing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 1968. These educational foundations laid the groundwork for his career in literature.

### Career and Literary Contributions
Ford's literary career began in the 1970s, with his first major works emerging in the 1980s. His novel *Independence Day* (1981) won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a significant achievement that cemented his reputation as a leading American novelist. Subsequent works, such as *The Sportswriter* (1986) and *Let Me Be Frank with You* (1991), further established his ability to craft intricate narratives that explore human relationships and societal themes.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Ford has received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the Prix Femina étranger, and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. These awards highlight his contributions to American literature and his influence on the genre of fiction.

### Affiliations and Influence
Ford has been affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including Michigan State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Columbia University. His works have been widely recognized and studied, influencing subsequent generations of writers and readers alike.

### Legacy
Richard Ford's legacy in literature is marked by his distinctive style and profound exploration of human nature. His novels and short stories continue to be studied and celebrated for their depth and insight, ensuring his place as a significant figure in American fiction.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. The Fine Art Archive
3. [Source](https://trabalibros.com/autores/richard-ford-biografia)
4. [Fiction - The Pulitzer Prizes](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/219)
5. Guggenheim Fellows database
6. [Source](http://www.boersenblatt.net/artikel-richard_ford_erhaelt_siegfried_lenz_preis.1436410.html)
7. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/richard-ford/)
8. [Source](https://www.fpa.es/es/premios-princesa-de-asturias/premiados/2016-richard-ford.html?texto=acta&especifica=1)
9. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000732507)
10. [Source](http://www.inthemoodfordeauville.com/prix_litteraire_2007/)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. BnF authorities
13. CiNii Research
14. MusicBrainz
15. IMDb
16. SNAC
17. Discogs
18. Babelio
19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
20. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
21. Munzinger Personen
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. Open Library
24. Virtual International Authority File
25. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
26. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/British_Fantasy_Awards_1999)
27. CONOR.SI
28. BBC Things
29. Goodreads
30. Quora
31. LIBRIS. 2018
32. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
33. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/richard-ford-107ZzsCTsH/appearances)