Don Marquis Biography

Early Life and Education
Donald Robert Perry Marquis, frequently called Don Marquis, was born upon July 29, 1878, in Walnut, Illinois, USA. He grew up in the Midwest and went to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, though he did not complete his degree. His early years in Illinois and direct exposure to the lively cultural scene of the Midwest significantly shaped his literary voice and journalistic career.

Career Beginnings
Marquis began his profession as a journalist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His early work saw him as a press reporter and editor for numerous newspapers, developing the wit and observational abilities that would later on define his writing. His transfer to New York City marked a critical point in his career as he started working for the New York Evening Sun.

Significant Work: Archy and Mehitabel
Don Marquis is possibly best known for producing the characters Archy and Mehitabel. Archy, a free-verse poet reincarnated as a cockroach, and Mehitabel, a feline with a previous life as Cleopatra, debuted in a series of whimsical and poignant columns written for the New York Evening Sun. Archy would "type" his ideas on a typewriter by jumping on the keys, hence the columns were identified by the absence of uppercase. These columns were later assembled into a number of collections, including "Archy and Mehitabel" (1927) and "Archy's Life of Mehitabel" (1933), which stay beloved classics.

Other Literary Contributions
Beyond Archy and Mehitabel, Marquis was a prolific writer who authored both poetry and prose. His works often reflected his eager sense of humor and satirical eye. He released various collections of poetry and short stories and tried novel-length works. His versatility as an author enabled him to cross over into various genres and mediums, making his a familiar name in American literary circles of the early 20th century.

Influences and Collaborations
Marquis's work was influenced by his journalistic background, in addition to contemporary social and political occasions. He was familiarized with different writers, artists, and intellectuals of his time, contributing to a vibrant exchange of concepts. His funny and satirical design has been compared to that of his contemporaries, such as James Thurber and H.L. Mencken.

Personal Life
Don Marquis married twice. His first partner, Reina Melcher, passed away in 1923. He later wed Marjorie Potts Vonnegut. He had two kids, a son who died in infancy and a child, Barbara. Regardless of individual catastrophes and struggles, consisting of financial instability, Marquis stayed a dedicated author.

Later Years and Legacy
Don Marquis continued to compose and publish till his health began to fail in the mid-1930s. He died on December 29, 1937, in New York City. His tradition endures through his contributions to American humor and poetry. The character of Archy, in particular, remains a testament to his imaginative brilliance and enduring appeal across generations.

Impact and Remembrance
Don Marquis's work, specifically his Archy and Mehitabel series, has actually left a long lasting imprint on American literature. His ability to blend humor with humanistic insights has endeared him to readers for decades. His productions continue to be celebrated for their beauty, wit, and originality, making sure that Marquis's literary contributions are remembered and valued.

Our collection contains 40 quotes who is written / told by Don, under the main topics: Happiness - Age - Experience - Work.

Related authors: James Thurber (Comedian), Cleopatra (Royalty), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)

• Q: Don Marquis pronunciation
  A: Pronounced as 'Don Mar-kwis.'
• Q: Don Marquis University of Kansas
  A: He briefly attended but did not graduate.
• Q: Don Marquis poems
  A: He is famous for his humorous 'Archy and Mehitabel' series.
• Q: Don Marquis Philosophy
  A: He believed in humor and wit as vital expressions of human experience.
• Q: Don Marquis death
  A: Don Marquis died on December 29, 1937.
• Q: How old was Don Marquis?
  A: He became 59 years old

• 1924 The Dark Hours (Poetry Collection)
• 1921 The Old Soak and Hail And Farewell (Book)
• 1916 The Cruise of the Jasper B (Novel)
• 1916 Danny's Own Story (Novel)
• 1916 archy and mehitabel (Book)
• 1916 Hermione and Her Little Group of Serious Thinkers (Book)

• Wikipedia