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| Nature writer John Graves achieves literary success |
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Critics have called John Graves "the most distinguished
Texas writer [alive]." A modern Henry David Thoreau, Graves spent his life
observing nature, reading and writing prose about relationships between the
land and the people and how they have shaped each other.
After the publication of his first book, Goodbye to a River , he became known as an important essayist of nature and regional history. Nominated for the National Book Award in 1960, the book describes a three-week canoe trip on the northern stretch of the Brazos River. Graves' other works include Hard Scrabble , in which Graves narrates his struggle to build a ranch and construct his own house, and From a Limestone Ledge , a collection of personal essays. Graves decided to attend the Rice Institute in 1938 for many reasons. Rice offered an eduation with no tuition and, at the height of the Depression, cost was of vital concern. Rice also appealed to Graves because he wanted to avoid fraternities. Originally, Graves decided to major in petroleum engineering, because he thought the major would be the most helpful in securing a good job after graduation. The man who changed his mind was Samuel G. McCann, a registrar who helped Graves realize his other interests. At Rice, Graves' favorite subjects were history and English. He was also a member of the writing club led by his English professor George Williams. Graves became good friends with Williams -- the two would go bird-watching together in the woods at the site of Rice stadium. Graves remembers his time at Rice as an idyllic life. He describes it as "pretty, fit for dreaming and ignoring strife." Graves is not a prolific writer, but all of his writings have attracted acclaim. Many consider his short story "The Last Running" a masterpiece. Published by Atlantic Monthly in 1959, the story was reprinted in one of the Best American Short Stories collections. Graves' daughter, Sally (Brown, '84) also graduated from Rice. In the same year, 1984, Graves won the Distinguished Alumni Award from Rice.
This item appeared in the Features section of the October 10, 1997 issue. |
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