The gift of a ceramic mouse by Princess Grace of Monaco inspired Paul Gallico to write his children’s novel, Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear in 1968. [1]
Paul William Gallico was an American writer. He is best remembered for The Snow Goose, his most critically successful book, acclaimed for its poignant narrative set amid World War II, and The Poseidon Adventure, immortalized primarily through its 1972 movie adaptation. In 2022 the first of his four novels featuring the beloved character Mrs Harris was adapted for film.
In the 1920s, Gallico rose to prominence as a sportswriter, columnist, and editor at the New York Daily News. His prowess in sports journalism earned him widespread recognition and made him one of the highest-paid figures in the field, achieving a degree of minor celebrity status. But he left sports writing in the late 1930s to become a full-time writer of fiction. His first major book was Farewell to Sport (1938), and he moved from New York to England.
The Snow Goose, initially published as a novella in The Saturday Evening Post in 1940, solidified Gallico’s reputation as a gifted storyteller, earning him literary acclaim, including the prestigious O. Henry Award for short stories in 1941.
Gallico wrote prolifically, producing novels, short stories, and essays that often explored themes of human resilience, compassion, and triumph over adversity. The Poseidon Adventure, published in 1969, captivated readers with its gripping portrayal of survival amidst a capsized ocean liner, spawning a successful film adaptation, the first of a series of disaster movies produced during that era. His charming stories about animals, particularly cats, are enduring favourites.
Despite grappling with alcoholism, Gallico remained steadfast in his dedication to his craft, resulting in numerous adaptations of his works for both the big and small screens. He married four times, had 2 children, and authored 41 books, along with numerous short stories, theatrical and TV movies, and a TV series based on his Hiram Holliday short stories.
Paul Gallico’s illustrious career ended with his death from a heart attack on 15 July 1976, in Monaco at the age of 78. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, continuing to resonate with readers worldwide.
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