Charles G. Norris
Charles G. Norris was an influential early twentieth-century novelist, born on April 23, 1881, in Chicago. He was part of a literary family, with his brother Frank Norris being a well-known novelist, and he was married to Kathleen Thompson Norris, a prominent female writer of the era. Their marriage served as a significant turning point in their literary careers, encouraging them both to pursue their writing ambitions after relocating to New York City from California. There, they mingled with notable figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Theodore Roosevelt, enriching their artistic lives. Over his career, Charles published more than eleven novels, often exploring contemporary social issues like education, women's roles in business, and birth control. His notable works include titles such as "Salt," "Brass," and "Flint." The couple enjoyed a long partnership of thirty-seven years until Charles's death on July 25, 1945. After his passing, a collection of their love letters was published, highlighting their personal and professional bond.
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Subject Terms
Charles G. Norris
Author
- Born: April 23, 1881
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Died: July 25, 1945
- Place of death: Palo Alto, California
Biography
Charles G. Norris, an early twentieth century novelist, lived his life surrounded by literary achievers. His brother was Frank Norris, a popular novelist whose books include The Octopus and McTeague. In addition, Norris was married to Kathleen Thompson Norris, who was one of the highest paid female writers of the time.
Norris was born in Chicago on April 23, 1881. He met Kathleen Thompson in California while he was working as an editor for a magazine and she was working as a society columnist for a local newspaper. Their marriage proved to be the catalyst that launched their literary careers. They left California and moved to New York City, where, with each other’s encouragement, they became prolific and popular writers. While living in New York, they socialized with famous writers, politicians, and actors, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harpo Marx.
Norris published more than eleven critically acclaimed novels, including several with one-world titles such as Salt (1918), Brass (1921), and Flint (1944). His novels focused on the social themes of the time, including education, women in business, and birth control. Charles and Kathleen Norris were married for thirty-seven years when Charles died on July 25, 1945. He was survived by the couple’s son, Charles Norris, Jr. A collection of Charles and Kathleen Norris’s love letters was published after his death in a book titled Charles and Kathleen Norris, the Courtship Year.