Known as the “Show Me” state and home of the magnificent Saint Louis Arch, many amazing authors hail from Missouri and have called it home at one point. Missouri has produced some of the most famous authors and has been a place for literary creativity. Dive in and discover more about some of these notable Missourian authors’ lives and legacies.
Mark Twain
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, A.K.A. Mark Twain, was born in Florida, Missouri, in 1835 and is known for his stories such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Clemens is credited as being the greatest humorist in the United States. He also produced numerous short stories and poems, which also included his unique writing style of incorporating imaginative storytelling combined with wit and humor.
Kate Chopin
Kate Chopin was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, in 1850 and was known as a writer who explored women and feminist themes. Her critique of gender roles in society forced upon women is heavily prevalent in her work. Her most famous novel, The Awakening, and short story, The Story of an Hour, focus on exploring women’s opportunities and experiences in life. She also discussed social issues such as racial inequalities, which she explores in her short story, Desiree’s Baby.
Langston Hughes
While Langston Hughes’s work is often associated with the Harlem Renaissance in New York City, he was actually born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902. His work is comprised of poetry, short stories, and novels focusing on social and racial inequalities and racial consciousness in America. He is known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance and created many famous poems such as The Nergro Speaks of Rivers, I, Too, Am America, Weary Blues, and A Dream Deferred.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, in 1928 and was a famous memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. Angelou worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the civil rights movement and created seven bibliographies, fourteen collections of poetry, and multiple plays. Some of her most famous works include her novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and poem Still I Rise. Angelou’s work called to those who faced discrimination head-on and brought diversity into literature in America.
Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and is the author of the critically acclaimed Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places. Flynn’s most famous book, Gone Girl, reached #1 on the New York Times best seller list. She also wrote the screenplay for the movie adaptation. Flynn is currently writing for the film adaptation of her short story, The Grownup.
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