Clinton F. Larson
Clinton F. Larson was an influential American poet, playwright, and educator, born in 1919 in American Fork, Utah. He grew up in a family that valued education and athleticism, which likely influenced his own academic pursuits. After studying English at the University of Utah, Larson served as a Mormon missionary in England and Maine during the late 1930s and early 1940s. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1942 and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, serving for four years during World War II.
After his military service, Larson returned to academia, earning a master's degree in 1947 and later a Ph.D. from the University of Denver in 1956. He joined the English department at Brigham Young University, where he became a full professor in 1963 and served as poet-in-residence until his retirement in 1985. Larson was known for his literary contributions, including the play "Button, Button" and various poetry collections such as "The Lord of Experience" and "Counterpoint." Additionally, he authored over twenty books, including children's literature inspired by the Book of Mormon. His work reflects a commitment to both education and the arts within the context of his religious and cultural background.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Clinton F. Larson
Children's Literature Writer, Playwright and Poet
- Born: September 22, 1919
- Birthplace: American Fork, Utah
- Died: July 10, 1994
- Place of death: Orem, Utah
Biography
Clinton F. Larson was born in American Fork, Utah, in 1919, the son of a teacher who was also an accomplished athlete. Larson grew up in Utah, living in American Fork and Salt Lake City. He attended the University of Utah, where he studied English, but temporarily left his studies to pursue Mormon missionary work in England in 1938. Toward the end of his mission, he was transferred to Maine because of World War II. He completed his missionary work in Maine in 1940.
Larson resumed his studies at the University of Utah and graduated in 1942, the same year he married Naomi Barlow. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, and he spent his four years of military service stationed at various bases around the United States. After his honorable discharge, Larson returned to Salt Lake City and the University of Utah, where he earned his master’s degree in 1947. That same year, Larson joined the English department at Brigham Young University as an instructor, relocating from Salt Lake City to Provo. Larson continued his studies and in 1956 was awarded his Ph.D. from the University of Denver. In 1963, Larson became a full professor at Brigham Young University and eleven years later was named poet-in- residence, a title he held until his retirement in 1985.
Larson was a poet and playwright. His first published work was Button, Button: A Play in Three Acts (1961). His volumes of poetry include the notable The Lord of Experience: Poems by Clinton F. Larson (1967), and Counterpoint; A Book of Poems (1973). Larson is the author of more than twenty books, including a children’s book entitled Illustrated Stories from the Book of Mormon (1967-1971).