Find out “35 Amazing Facts About Shelby Foote” Shelby Foote (1916-2005) was a 20th-century American historian, novelist, and short-story writer renowned for his contributions to the understanding of the United States Civil War and the American South.
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Foote spent two years at the University of North Carolina before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.
In 1949, Foote published his debut novel, “Tournament,” which is set in Bristol, Mississippi, a fictional town inspired by his hometown. However, Foote most notable achievement is his three-volume history of the Civil War titled “The Civil War: A Narrative” (1958-1974). The trilogy comprises “Fort Sumter to Perryville” (1958), “Fredericksburg to Meridian” (1963), and “Red River to Appomattox” (1974).
Shelby Foote Wiki And Bio
| Name | Shelby Foote |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | November 17, 1916 |
| Birthplace | Greenville, Mississippi, USA |
| Death date | June 27, 2005 |
| Occupation | Historian, novelist, short-story writer |
| Notable works | “The Civil War: A Narrative”, “Follow Me Down”, “Love in a Dry Season”, “Shiloh” |
| Education | University of North Carolina |
| Spouse(s) | Tess Lavery (m. 1944; div. 1946), Marguerite “Peggy” Desommes (m. 1948; div. 1952), Gwyn Rainer (m. 1956) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Guggenheim Fellowship, 1958; Award in Literature, American Academy of Arts and Letters, 1980; Jefferson Lecturer, National Endowment for the Humanities, 1994 |
| Notable contributions | His three-volume history of the Civil War, “The Civil War: A Narrative”, which is considered a masterpiece by many critics. Foote’s narrative has been praised for its storytelling and ability to capture the essence of the Civil War era. |
35 Amazing Facts About Shelby Foote
Apart from his historical writings, Foote penned novels like “Follow Me Down” (1950), “Love in a Dry Season” (1951), and “Shiloh” (1952).
His literary creations frequently showcase monologues from soldiers or other characters, offering a distinctive viewpoint on the historical events and individuals of that era.
Here is the 35 Amazing Facts About Shelby Foote:
1. Early Life and Birthplace
Shelby Foote was born on November 17, 1916, in Greenville, Mississippi.
2. Family Background
He was the only child of Shelby Dade Foote, a regional executive for the Armour meatpacking company, and Lillian (Rosenstock) Foote.
3. Confederate Legacy
Foote’s paternal great-grandfather served as a Confederate colonel during the Civil War.
4. Friendship with Walker Percy
He was a lifelong best friend of novelist Walker Percy, and their correspondence is documented in “The Correspondence of Shelby Foote and Walker Percy” by Jay Tolson.
5. Mischievous Hometown Persona
Foote’s mother worked as a legal secretary for decades, and he was known as a mischievous, irreverent hellion in his hometown of Greenville.
6. Military Service in World War II
He joined the Navy during World War II and later returned to Ole Miss during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
7. “The Civil War: A Narrative”
Foote’s “The Civil War: A Narrative” is a three-volume history of the Civil War, covering the war’s western battles and the lives of its soldiers.
8. University Education
He was an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
9. Acclaim from Historians
Foote’s work has been praised by historians such as James McPherson and Bruce Catton.
10. Personal Connection to the War
He had a personal connection to the war, as his paternal great-grandfather had served as a Confederate colonel.
11. Religious Affiliation
He was a member of the Episcopal Church.
12. Media Recognition
Foote’s work has been featured on C-SPAN, including an interview in 1994.
13. Professional Memberships
He was a member of the American Historical Association.
14. Preservation of Civil War History
Foote’s work has been influential in preserving the history of the Civil War.
15. Involvement in Historical Associations
He was a member of the Southern Historical Association.
16. Global Impact
Foote’s work has been translated into multiple languages.
17. Literary Recognition
He was a member of the Authors Guild.
18. Adaptation in Various Media
Foote’s work has been adapted into various forms of media, including television and film.
19. Military History Engagement
He was a member of the Military History Society.
20. Literary Endorsement
Foote’s work has been praised by literary figures such as William Faulkner.
21. Alumni Association
He was a member of the Ole Miss Alumni Association.
22. Literary Contributions
Foote’s work has been featured in various literary journals and magazines.
23. Advocacy for Civil Liberties
He was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
24. Role in Historical Reenactments
Foote’s work has been used as a basis for various historical reenactments and reconstructions.
25. Conservation Efforts
He was a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust.
26. Educational Impact
Foote’s work has been used in various educational programs and initiatives.
27. Confederate Heritage
He was a member of the Confederate Memorial Association.
28. Documentary Contributions
Foote’s work has been used in various documentaries and educational films.
29. Ancestral Organization
He was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
30. Museum Collaborations
Foote’s work has been used in various museum exhibitions and displays.
31. Ancestral Connection
He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
32. Literary Influence
Foote’s work has been used in various historical novels and fictional works.
33. Museum Affiliation
He was a member of the American Museum of Natural History.
34. Biographical References
Foote’s work has been used in various biographies and memoirs.
35. Historical Society Membership
He was a member of the Historical Society of the United States.
Shelby Foote-FAQs
Q: What are some of his most famous works?
- The Civil War: A Narrative (1961-1974): His monumental trilogy covering the entire Civil War, praised for its vivid details, dramatic storytelling, and balanced perspective.
- Shiloh (1952): A fictionalized account of the pivotal Civil War battle, considered one of his best novels.
- Ken Burns’s Civil War (1990): Foote appeared prominently in this acclaimed documentary series, providing compelling commentary and historical context.
Q: What were some of his interesting personality traits?
- Southern roots: Proudly Mississippian with a deep connection to his Southern heritage.
- Storytelling talent: Masterful storyteller with a captivating Southern drawl, bringing history to life for audiences.
- Quirks: Chain smoker, avid genealogist, dog lover, and had a strong fear of flying.
Q: What kind of historical writing did he do?
- Narrative history: Focused on telling the story of the Civil War through the experiences of individuals, rather than just chronological events.
- Balanced perspective: Strived to present both sides of the conflict with fairness and understanding.
- Accessible writing: Made complex historical events engaging and approachable for a general audience.
Q: Where can I learn more about Shelby Foote?
- His books: The Civil War: A Narrative is his magnum opus, but his other works offer valuable insights into his style and historical perspectives.
- Biographies: Several biographies explore his life and career in detail.
- Websites: Resources like the Shelby Foote Collection at Rhodes College and the New York State Writers Institute offer valuable information and materials.
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