Christopher Morley was born in Haverford, Pennsylvania, in the year 1890, to a father who was a mathematics professor at Haverford College. As a young child, Morley exhibited a remarkable affinity for reading and learning, often spending hours devouring books and developing a deep passion for literature. This dedication to his studies led him to excel academically, and he went on to graduate from Haverford College with flying colors.
Morley's academic achievements earned him a prestigious Rhodes scholarship, which enabled him to attend New College, Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he published his first book, a collection of poems that showcased his remarkable writing talent. After completing his studies, Morley returned to the United States, where he began working at Doubleday in 1913.
His first novel, "Parnassus on Wheels," was a groundbreaking work that told the story of a bookmobile, a revolutionary concept at the time. The book was a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic, and Morley followed it up with another successful novel, "The Haunted Bookshop." Throughout his career, Morley was a prolific writer, contributing to numerous magazines and serving as a contributing editor for "The Saturday Review."
Morley was known for his kindness, wit, and worldly charm, and he earned the loyalty and admiration of those who worked with and for him. He continued to write short stories, plays, poems, and novels throughout his life, many of which remain in print to this day. One of his most famous novels, "Kitty Foyle," was adapted into a film in 1939, starring Ginger Rogers, who won an Academy Award for her performance. Dalton Trumbo adapted the novel for the screen, earning his first Oscar nomination for the film.
Morley was also an ardent admirer of the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and he even started a book club called "The Standard Doyle Company" to share his love of the author's novels with others. Throughout his life, Morley remained humble and kind, often sharing words of wisdom with others. He once said, "Cherish your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for your old age." Morley passed away in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of beloved books and a lasting impact on the literary world.
