Inspirational Quotes by Louis Auchincloss (American Novelist, Lawyer)

Louis Stanton Auchincloss (1917–2010) was an American novelist, short story writer, and literary figure known for his incisive explorations of upper-class society in America. Auchincloss often drew from his own experiences and observations, offering keen insights into the intricacies of “old money” privilege, power, and moral dilemmas.

Born in Lawrence, New York, Auchincloss attended Yale University, where he was editor of the Yale Literary Magazine. He did not complete his undergraduate studies at Yale but was admitted to and attended law school at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1941 and joining the New York bar the same year. Auchincloss was an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell 1941–51, with an interruption for war service 1942–45 in the United States Navy during World War II, which inspired his novel The Indifferent Children (1947.)

Auchincloss is known for his closely observed portraits of old New York and New England society. Among his books are the multi-generational sagas The House of Five Talents (1960,) Portrait in Brownstone (1962,) and East Side Story (2004.) The Rector of Justin (1964,) a tale of a renowned headmaster of a prep school, won critical acclaim and established him as a prominent voice in American literature. Other notable works include The Embezzler (1966) and The Vanderbilt Era: Profiles of a Gilded Age (1989,) reflecting his fascination with historical and social themes.

Auchincloss also wrote books on Henry James (Henry James: The Old World and the New, 1961, and Henry James: A Life, 1975,) Shakespeare (1969,) Edith Wharton (1971,) and Richelieu (1973,) as well as False Dawn (1984,) focusing on women in the 18th century. Life, Law and Letters (1979) collects essays and sketches.

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