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2024-05-18 13:03:26

Alice Munro

Canadian Nobel Prize-winning short story writer
Canadian Nobel Prize-winning short story writer
Alice Munro, known for revolutionizing short story architecture, set her fiction in Huron County. Her writing style explores human complexities with simplicity. She received numerous prestigious awards for her work before her passing in 2024.
1818
Emigration of Laidlaw Family to Upper Canada
Members of Alice Munro's father's family emigrated from the Ettrick Valley on the Scottish borderlands to Upper Canada in 1818, seeking new opportunities after the Napoleonic wars.
1927-07-28
Marriage of Anne Chamney and Robert Laidlaw
Anne Chamney, mother of Alice Munro, married Robert Laidlaw at St. John’s Anglican church in Innisville. Anne had previously worked as a teacher in Ontario and Alberta before settling down with Robert.
1931-07-10
Birth of Alice Munro
Alice Laidlaw Munro, the renowned Canadian author, was born in Wingham, Ontario, Canada to Robert Eric Laidlaw and Anne Clarke Chamney Laidlaw. She was the eldest child of the family.
1937
Alice Munro begins school at Lower Town School
In 1937, Alice Munro started attending Lower Town School where she completed grades one and three. The school was described as a rough place in her story 'Privilege' (1977).
1942
Alice Laidlaw discovers Tennyson's Idylls of the King
At the age of eleven in 1942, Alice Laidlaw discovered Tennyson's Idylls of the King, which marked the beginning of her journey as a writer. She started writing poetry and creating stories in her mind, showing early signs of her literary talent.
1943-07
Anne Chamney Laidlaw shows symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
In the summer of 1943, just as Alice Munro was turning twelve, her mother, Anne Chamney Laidlaw, started showing symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. This event had a significant impact on Munro's family life and her responsibilities within the household.
1949
Alice Laidlaw becomes class valedictorian and receives scholarship to University of Western Ontario
In 1949, Alice Laidlaw excelled academically and became the class valedictorian. She also received a scholarship to the University of Western Ontario for her outstanding performance in English. This achievement paved the way for her future literary pursuits.
1950
Publication of Alice Munro's first book
In 1950, Alice Munro published her first book titled The Dimensions of a Shadow while studying English and Journalism at the University of Western Ontario.
1951-12-29
Alice Laidlaw marries James Munro
On December 29, 1951, Alice Laidlaw married James Munro in a modest wedding ceremony at her family home in Wingham. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life as she embarked on a journey with her supportive husband.
1952-07
James Munro gifts Alice Munro a typewriter for her twenty-first birthday
For her twenty-first birthday in July 1952, James Munro gifted Alice Munro a typewriter, symbolizing his support for her writing aspirations. This gesture highlighted the importance of writing in Munro's life and her husband's belief in her talent.
1953-10
Birth of Sheila Margaret
Alice and Jim Munro welcomed their first daughter, Sheila Margaret, in October 1953.
1955-07
Birth and death of Catherine Alice
In late July 1955, Alice and Jim Munro's second daughter, Catherine Alice, was born but tragically passed away the same day due to lacking functioning kidneys.
1957-06
Birth of Jenny Alison
In June 1957, Alice and Jim Munro welcomed their daughter Jenny Alison.
1963
Alice and James Munro Start Munro's Books in Victoria
In 1963, Alice and James Munro moved to Victoria and established Munro's Books, a renowned bookstore that gained praise for its grandeur and selection. It became a notable cultural landmark in Canada.
1968-09
Publication of Dance of the Happy Shades
In September 1968, Alice Munro's first book, Dance of the Happy Shades, was published, featuring stories like 'Walker Brothers Cowboy' and 'Images'.
1969
Governor-General's Award
Alice Munro won the Governor-General's Award in 1969.
1970
Sixteen by Twelve: Short Stories by Canadian Writers
The collection 'Sixteen by Twelve: Short Stories by Canadian Writers' was released in 1970.
1971
Publication of 'Lives of Girls and Women'
In 1971, Alice Munro published 'Lives of Girls and Women', a collection of interlinked stories.
1972
B.C. Library Association Outstanding Fiction Writer's Award
Alice Munro received the B.C. Library Association Outstanding Fiction Writer's Award in 1972.
1973
Alice Munro moves back to Ontario
In the early 1970s, Alice Munro decided to leave her faltering marriage and in 1973, she permanently moved back to Ontario from British Columbia. She settled in London and started teaching creative writing at York University while focusing on her own writing and expanding her connections within the writing community.
1974
Great Lakes Colleges Association Award
In 1974, Alice Munro was honored with the Great Lakes Colleges Association Award.
1975
Munro returned to Huron County to live with Fremlin
Alice Munro returned to Huron County in 1975 to live with Fremlin in Clinton, where most of her activities were considered commonplace.
1976-03
Virginia Barber approaches Alice Munro about literary representation
In early 1976, Virginia Barber, a literary agent in New York, approached Alice Munro's former editor in Toronto and then Munro directly. They discussed the role of a literary agent and confirmed a business relationship.
1976-11
Alice Munro sends stories to Charles McGrath at the New Yorker
In November 1976, Alice Munro sent seven stories to Charles McGrath, a young fiction editor at the New Yorker. One of the stories, 'Royal Beatings', was bought by the New Yorker.
1977-03
Alice Munro's story 'Royal Beatings' appears in the New Yorker
In March 1977, Alice Munro's story 'Royal Beatings' appeared in the New Yorker. This marked the beginning of her relationship with the magazine.
1978
Governor General’s Literary Awards
Won for her fiction in 1978.
1980
Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters and Periodical Distributors of Canada Author's Award
In 1980, Alice Munro received the Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters and Periodical Distributors of Canada Author's Award.
1982
The Moons of Jupiter
Alice Munro's 'The Moons of Jupiter' was published in 1982.
1983
Publication of The Moons of Jupiter
In 1983, Alice Munro's book 'The Moons of Jupiter' was published, containing stories set in Australia and New Brunswick.
1984
Oscar Win for 'Boys and Girls'
In 1984, a short film based on Alice Munro's story 'Boys and Girls' won an Oscar. The film starred Megan Follows.
1986
Marian Engel Award
Alice Munro was honored with the Marian Engel Award in 1986.
1989
Best American Short Stories
The collection 'Best American Short Stories' was released in 1989.
1990
Publication of 'Friend of My Youth'
Alice Munro's story 'Meneseteung' is featured in the collection 'Friend of My Youth', showcasing her ability to depict and question the experiences of her characters, particularly women engaged in processes of self-definition.
1991
Canada Council Molson Prize
In 1991, Alice Munro was awarded the Canada Council Molson Prize.
1992
Foreign Honorary Member, American Academy of Arts and Letters
Alice Munro became a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1992.
1993
Lorne Pierce Medal, Royal Society of Canada
In 1993, Alice Munro was awarded the Lorne Pierce Medal by the Royal Society of Canada.
1994
Order of Ontario Medal
Alice Munro was honored with the Order of Ontario Medal in 1994.
1995
Canadian Booksellers Association Author of the Year Award
Alice Munro received the Canadian Booksellers Association Author of the Year Award in 1995.
1996
Alice Munro Receives Marian Engel Award
Alice Munro was awarded the Marian Engel Award by the Writers' Trust of Canada in 1996. This recognition highlighted her significant contributions to Canadian literature and her unique storytelling abilities.
1997
PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction
Alice Munro was recognized with the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction in 1997.
1998
Giller Prize
Awarded in 1998.
1999
Trillium Book Award for 'The Love of a Good Woman'
In 1999, 'The Love of a Good Woman' won the Trillium Book Award, recognizing excellence in literature.
2001
Rea Award for the Short Story
In 2001, Alice Munro received the prestigious Rea Award for the Short Story, highlighting her exceptional talent in the genre.
2002
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage Stories
In 2002, Alice Munro published 'Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage Stories'.
2003
Alice Munro's interview with The Associated Press
In 2003, Alice Munro gave an interview to The Associated Press where she reflected on her life and writing career. She discussed her experiences as a farmer's daughter, her unconventional choices, and the themes of generational differences in her stories.
2004
Giller Prize
Awarded in 2004.
2005
Medal of Honor for Literature, National Arts Club (New York)
In 2005, Alice Munro was awarded the Medal of Honor for Literature by the National Arts Club in New York.
2006
O. Henry Award
Alice Munro was again recognized with the O. Henry Award in 2006, showcasing her consistent excellence in short story writing.
2007
Away From Her
In 2007, 'Away From Her' was released, a work associated with Alice Munro.
2008
O. Henry Award for 'What Do You Want to Know For'
In 2008, Alice Munro's work 'What Do You Want to Know For' received the esteemed O. Henry Award, highlighting her mastery in storytelling.
2009
Alice Munro Wins Man Booker International Prize
In 2009, Alice Munro was honored with the Man Booker International Prize, recognizing her lifetime body of work in the field of literature. This award further solidified her position as a prominent figure in the literary world.
2010
Chevalier, Ordre des arts et des lettres, France
In 2010, Alice Munro was honored with the title of Chevalier in the Ordre des arts et des lettres in France, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
2011
New Selected Stories
In 2011, 'New Selected Stories' by Alice Munro was published.
2012
O. Henry Award
Alice Munro received the O. Henry Award in 2012, recognizing her outstanding achievement in the field of short fiction.
2013-04-17
Death of Gerald Fremlin
Gerald Fremlin, Alice Munro's husband, passed away at their house in Clinton, Ontario, on April 17, 2013, at the age of 88.
2013-05-13
Death of Alice Munro
Alice Munro, the celebrated Canadian writer and Nobel Prize in Literature winner, passed away at the age of 92. She was known for exploring human complexities in her short prose.
2013-07-09
Publication of Alice Munro Article in The Canadian Encyclopedia
The article about Alice Munro was published in The Canadian Encyclopedia on July 9, 2013.
2013-10-10
Alice Munro awarded Nobel Prize in Literature
On October 10, 2013, Alice Munro was honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature for being recognized as a master of the contemporary short story. She became the first Canadian and the 13th woman to receive this prestigious award.
2014-03-24
Unveiling of 99.99% Pure Silver Five-Dollar Coin in Honor of Alice Munro
Alice Munro, the Nobel Prize-winning Canadian author, attended a ceremony held by the Royal Canadian Mint where they unveiled a 99.99% pure silver five-dollar coin in Victoria, B.C. This event took place on March 24, 2014.
2015
Postage stamp released by Canada Post in honour of Munro's Nobel Prize win
Canada Post issued a postage stamp in 2015 to celebrate Alice Munro's Nobel Prize win.
2016
Film 'Julieta' Inspired by Munro's Stories
In 2016, Pedro Almodóvar's mystery-drama film 'Julieta' was released, drawing inspiration from several stories in Alice Munro's collection 'Runaway'. The film showcased the influence of Munro's writing on international cinema.
2020-08-26
Biography of Alice Munro Published on ThoughtCo
An article written by Jone Johnson Lewis about the life of Alice Munro was published on ThoughtCo on August 26, 2020.
2024-05-13
Death of Alice Munro
Alice Munro, the acclaimed Canadian writer known for her mastery of the short story genre, passed away on May 13, 2024, at the age of 92 in Port Hope, Ontario. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring authors worldwide.
2024-05-14
Death of Alice Munro at Age 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant known for her esteemed contemporary works and honored short stories, passed away at the age of 92. She died at her home in Port Hope, Ontario on May 14, 2024.
2024-05-15
Alice Munro Biography
A detailed account of the life, career, accomplishments, family background, and passing of the renowned writer Alice Munro.
2024-05-18
Accessed Article on Alice Munro Biography
The article on Alice Munro's biography was accessed on May 18, 2024, from ThoughtCo.
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Alice Munro

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Alice Munro

Canadian Nobel Prize-winning short story writer
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