Lardner, Ring
March 6, 1885 - September 35, 1933
Place of Birth: Niles, MI
Biography:
Wilmer Ringold Lardner was born to Lena and Henry Lardner in Niles, MI in 1885. Despite a physical disability, Lardner participated in sports, particularly baseball, which later manifested to being a sports writer later on in his life. Early on Lardner had an interest in music, theatricals, and writing, composing his high school class’ poem that was published in the Daily Star. Lardner briefly attended Armour Institute of Technology for engineering, but dropped out and worked a variety of jobs before landing work as a reporter for the South Bend Times in 1905. In 1907, Lardner transferred to being a sports reporter for various Chicago newspapers, and later as an editor for Sporting News and a columnist for The Chicago Tribune. Starting in 1907 Lardner began building a reputation as one of the most insightful, entertaining, and innovative sports reporters in the country. Lardner in particular stood out for the humor, satire, and slang vernacular incorporated into his writing. Lardner reportedly could turn the most dull baseball came into a comedic, keen perceptive articles and columns. Eventually Lardner’s columns were printed in 115 newspapers, and over his lifetime he wrote 4,500 articles and columns. He has received much attention for his American slang vernacular where he studied the way people speak to relate to readers, instead of using it as a device to humiliate. Eventually Lardner focused more on his short stories and theatrical pieces that portrayed more satire of all aspects of American life than in his columns. Although he wrote many plays, his only success was June Moon, co-authored with George Kaufman. He has been compared to authors such as Sinclair Lewis and Mark Twain. Lardner died on September 35, 1933 of a heart attack.
Selected Works:
- Bib Ballads (1915)
- Gullible’s Travels (1917)
- Own Your Own Home (1919)
- Symptoms of Being 35 (1921)
- The Love Nest and Other Stories (1926)
- June Moon: a Comedy in a Prologue and Three Acts (1930)
Critical Reception:
Lardner was one of the lucky few who’s writing enjoyed critical and popular approval. During the 1920s, Lardner rose to great prominence, and was arguably one of the most influential writers of the decade. His noted style included satire and slang vernacular, and his sports columns were wildly successful, being published in 115 newspapers. In the last few years of his life, Lardner fell out of public attention. However, Lardner still remains the forbearer of relating personally with his readers by using humor and the common style of speech. Journalists today still follow his example.
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Lardner grew up in Niles, MI where he first developed his love for sports, particularly baseball, and writing, music, and theatricals. Later on in life, Lardner incorporated these interests into his career as a sports writer and author of theatricals.