Elmore Leonard was an American novelist and screenwriter born on October 11, 1925, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of a General Motors executive and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Leonard graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1943 and then served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Detroit, where he received a degree in English and philosophy.
Elmore Leonard’s Early Life and Education
Leonard’s early life was marked by his father’s success and the family’s wealth. However, his father’s business collapsed during the Great Depression, and the family was left struggling financially. This experience would later inform Leonard’s writing, and many of his characters would come from similar backgrounds.
After completing his education, Leonard worked in advertising and later as a copywriter for a Detroit ad agency. It wasn’t until the age of 30 that he began writing novels. His first novel, “The Bounty Hunters,” was published in 1953, and he went on to write over 40 more novels throughout his career.
Elmore Leonard’s Writing Career
Leonard’s writing career spanned over five decades, and he wrote in a variety of genres, including westerns, crime fiction, and thrillers. His books were known for their sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and unexpected twists. Many of his books have been adapted into films and television shows, including “Get Shorty,” “Jackie Brown,” and the FX series “Justified.”
Leonard’s writing style was spare and direct, and he had a knack for creating memorable characters. He once said, “I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” This approach to writing made his books fast-paced and engaging, and it’s one of the reasons why he remains popular today.
Elmore Leonard’s Best Quotes
Leonard was known for his pithy one-liners and witty observations. Here are some of his best quotes:
- “I try to leave out the parts that people skip.”
- “If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.”
- “I don’t know what my message is. I don’t try to impart any messages.”
- “When something sounds like it’s been written, I rewrite it.”
- “My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.”
Elmore Leonard’s Best Books
Leonard wrote over 40 novels throughout his career, so it’s hard to pick just a few favorites. However, some of his most popular books include:
- “Get Shorty”
- “Rum Punch”
- “Out of Sight”
- “Be Cool”
- “Maximum Bob”
Elmore Leonard’s First Book
Elmore Leonard’s first novel, “The Bounty Hunters,” was published in 1953. The book was a western and was followed by several more westerns in the 1950s and 1960s. Leonard didn’t begin writing crime fiction until the 1970s, when he published “The Big Bounce.”
Elmore Leonard’s Last Book
Elmore Leonard’s last book, “Blue Dreams,” was published posthumously in 2014. The book is a collection of his early short stories, many of which had never been published before.
Elmore Leonard’s Books in Order
If you’re interested in reading Elmore Leonard’s books in order, here’s a chronological list:
- The Bounty Hunters (1953)
- The Law at Randado (1954)
- Escape from Five Shadows (1956)
- Last Stand at Saber River (1959)
- Hombre (1961)
- The Big Bounce (1969)
- Mr. Majestyk (1974)
- Fifty-two Pickup (1974)
- Swag (1976)
- Unknown Man No. 89 (1977)
- The Hunted (1977)
- The Switch (1978)
- City Primeval (1980)
- Gold Coast (1980)
- Split Images (1981)
- Cat Chaser (1982)
- Stick (1983)
- LaBrava (1983)
- Glitz (1985)
- Bandits (1987)
- Touch (1987)
- Freaky Deaky (1988)
- Killshot (1989)
- Get Shorty (1990)
- Maximum Bob (1991)
- Rum Punch (1992)
- Pronto (1993)
- Riding the Rap (1995)
- Out of Sight (1996)
- Cuba Libre (1998)
- Be Cool (1999)
- Pagan Babies (2000)
- Tishomingo Blues (2002)
- Mr. Paradise (2004)
- A Coyote’s in the House (2004)
- The Hot Kid (2005)
- Up in Honey’s Room (2007)
- Comfort to the Enemy (2007)
- Road Dogs (2009)
- Djibouti (2010)
- Raylan (2012)
- Blue Dreams (2014)
Elmore Leonard’s Books or Characters Becoming Movies or Other Media
Many of Elmore Leonard’s books and characters have been adapted into movies and television shows. Some of the most notable adaptations include:
- “Get Shorty” (1995)
- “Jackie Brown” (1997)
- “Out of Sight” (1998)
- “Justified” (2010-2015)
- “Be Cool” (2005)
Elmore Leonard’s Love Life and Friendships
Elmore Leonard was married twice and had five children. His first marriage, to Beverly Cline, ended in divorce in 1977. He later married Joan Shepard in 1979, and they remained married until his death in 2013.
Leonard’s friendships were also important to him, and he counted many writers and filmmakers among his close friends. Some of his friends included Stephen King, George Pelecanos, and Quentin Tarantino.
Elmore Leonard’s Life Outside of Writing
In addition to his writing, Elmore Leonard had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid golfer and a fan of Detroit sports teams. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
Elmore Leonard’s Criticism and Backbiting
Despite his success, Elmore Leonard was not immune to criticism and backbiting. Some critics accused him of being too formulaic, and others criticized his portrayal of women. However, Leonard remained popular with readers, and his books continue to sell well today.
Other Artists Who Inspired Elmore Leonard
Elmore Leonard was influenced by many artists throughout his life, including musicians and filmmakers. Some of his biggest influences included:
- Ernest Hemingway
- John Steinbeck
- Raymond Chandler
- Dashiell Hammett
- Louis Armstrong
- Bob Dylan
- Martin Scorsese
- Quentin Tarantino
Other Writers to be Read Absolutely
If you’re a fan of Elmore Leonard’s writing, here are some other writers you should check out:
- James Ellroy
- George Pelecanos
- Michael Connelly
- Dennis Lehane
- Walter Mosley
Elmore Leonard’s Legacy – Why He is Still Alive
Elmore Leonard passed away in 2013, but his legacy lives on. His books continue to sell well, and new adaptations of his work are still being made. Leonard’s writing style and his knack for creating memorable characters have influenced countless writers, and his impact on the crime fiction genre cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
Elmore Leonard was a master storyteller, and his books continue to captivate readers today. His unique writing style and memorable characters have made him a legend in the crime fiction genre. While he may be gone, his legacy lives on, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless writers today. If you haven’t read any of Elmore Leonard’s books, I highly recommend that you do so. You won’t be disappointed.
Are you a fan of Elmore Leonard’s writing? Which of his books is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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