'Embodying the human spirit'

 “I strongly believe that literature can do something that nothing else can do, and that is embody the human spirit.” –  Thomas McGuane

 

McGuane may be the only member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters who’s also a member of both the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame and the Flyfishing Hall of Fame – both subjects for his writing.  His work includes 10 novels, lots of short fiction, and many screenplays, as well as three collections of essays devoted to his life in the outdoors.

 

Born in Michigan on this date in 1939, McGuane envisioned himself as a writer from a very young age, admiring what he perceived as an “exciting, adventurous life.” He began a serious devotion to writing by the age of 16, first studying creative writing at Michigan State and then playwriting and dramatic literature at Yale.    His first novel, The Sporting Club, was published in 1969.   

 

Among McGaune’s best-known works are screenplays for The Missouri Breaks and 92 in the Shade.  His treasure trove of papers, manuscripts, and correspondence are located in the Montana State University Archives and Special Collections, where they are available for research purposes.  In 1993 Montana State awarded him an honorary doctorate degree and in 2023 its Award for Excellence in Service to the MSU Library, recognizing him “for advancing scholarship and access to unique materials.”                                   

McGuane said he never wanted to be a celebrity, just a good writer. “I'm still trying to be a good writer. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning.”