Charles W. Ferguson
Charles W. Ferguson was an influential American writer and editor, born in 1901 in Quanah, Texas. The son of a minister, he graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1923 and began his career as a Methodist minister, although he soon shifted focus to academia and publishing. Ferguson pursued advanced studies at Union Theological Seminary and the New School for Social Research in New York City, and he began contributing to the literary world as the associate editor of Bookman. His literary output included both non-fiction, such as his first book "The Confusion of Tongues," published in 1927, and fiction, with his novel "Pigskin" following in 1928.
Ferguson's editorial career flourished as he worked with the George H. Doran publishing company and later became the president of Round Table Press. In 1934, he joined Reader's Digest, where he served as senior editor until 1968. Alongside his editorial work, Ferguson authored numerous articles and books focused on religious themes and was recognized with several awards, including the Christopher Award in 1958 for his biography of Cardinal Wolsey. He continued to share his knowledge through teaching at the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University until his death in 1987 in Ossining, New York.
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Charles W. Ferguson
Writer
- Born: August 23, 1901
- Birthplace: Quanah, Texas
- Died: December 11, 1987
- Place of death: Ossining, New York
Biography
Charles W. Ferguson was born in Quanah, Texas, in 1901, the son of a minister. He attended Southern Methodist University, graduating with a B.A. in 1923. That same year, Ferguson married Victoria Wallace, with whom he had two children before they divorced. At this time, Ferguson also took a job as a Methodist minister. He left that position in 1925 to continue his studies at Union Theological Seminary and the New School for Social Research in New York City.
While studying in New York, Ferguson worked as the associate editor of Bookman, writing articles for the magazine as well as writing books. He published his first book, The Confusion of Tongues: A Review of Modern Isms, in 1927, and followed it up a year later with his first novel, Pigskin. As his writing career began taking off, Ferguson went to work for the George H. Doran publishing company, where he edited religious books, and he later took a job with another publishing company. In 1932, he became the president of Round Table Press and in 1934, he joined the staff of the Reader’s Digest, where he was promoted to the position of senior editor in 1942, remaining in this position until 1968. He then taught at the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University.
Throughout his career, Ferguson wrote books about religious subjects and numerous articles. He received several awards, including the Christopher Award in 1958 for his book Naked to Mine Enemies: The Life of Cardinal Wolsey (1958). After a long battle with cancer, he died in 1987 while living in Ossining, New York.