Cormac McCarthy, the renowned American author known for his acclaimed works such as ‘The Road’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’, has passed away at the age of 89.
The announcement of McCarthy’s death was made by his publisher, Penguin Random House, following confirmation from his son John McCarthy.
Penguin Random House shared the news on Twitter, stating that McCarthy had passed away due to “natural causes” at his residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Tuesday.
Remembering Cormac McCarthy: A Literary Legend’s Enduring Legacy
Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest American novelists of his time. His most notable works, ‘The Road’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’, garnered widespread acclaim and were successfully adapted into films.
Throughout his career, McCarthy crafted a collection of 12 novels, two plays, five screenplays, and three short stories. His writings often explored dark and suspenseful themes, delving into the realms of the American frontier and post-apocalyptic settings.
In response to McCarthy’s passing, fellow American author Stephen King took to Twitter to pay his respects. King regarded McCarthy as “maybe the greatest American novelist of my time” and expressed his sorrow at the news. The literary world mourns the loss of a remarkable writer whose body of work continues to resonate with readers.
Cormac McCarthy’s early life
Born into an Irish Catholic family in 1933, Cormac McCarthy was one of six siblings. His early years were spent in Rhode Island before his family settled in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his father pursued a career as a lawyer.
Known for his elusive nature, McCarthy was a profoundly private individual who shunned media interviews and avoided the glitz and glamour of red-carpet events.
McCarthy told US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in 2007 that “I don’t think [interviews] are good for your head.”
“If you’re spending a lot of time thinking about how to write a book, you probably shouldn’t be thinking about it; you should probably be doing it,” he said.
McCarthy’s career
Cormac McCarthy’s literary journey began with the publication of his first novel, ‘The Orchard Keeper’, in 1965. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that he achieved commercial success with ‘All The Pretty Horses’, a novel that earned him the esteemed National Book Award.
In 2007, McCarthy’s remarkable talent was recognized with the Pulitzer Prize for his post-apocalyptic masterpiece, ‘The Road’. This haunting tale follows a father and son as they navigate a desolate American landscape, grappling with the harsh realities of survival.
Among his impressive body of work, ‘Blood Meridian’ stands out as a highly acclaimed novel, often hailed as “The Great American Novel” by admirers.
Throughout his life, McCarthy experienced the joys and challenges of marriage, being married three times. He leaves behind his two children, Cullen and John, as a testament to his personal legacy.
