John Edward Jennings Jr. (December 30, 1906 – December 4, 1973)[1] was an American historical novelist. He wrote many best-selling novels of American history and seagoing adventure. He also wrote several nonfiction books on history.
John Edward Jennings | |
|---|---|
 Jennings in April 1941 | |
| Born | December 30, 1906 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 4, 1973 (aged 66) Miller Place, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Colorado School of Mines, Columbia University |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Known for | Historical novels |
Biography edit
This section needs additional citations for verification. (July 2019) |
Jennings was born in Brooklyn, New York, attended the Colorado School of Mines, and studied engineering and literature at Columbia University.[2] He had his first experience of seafaring at age 19 as a hand aboard a tramp steamer in the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean.[citation needed] As of October 1940, aged 33, he was living in Wayland, Massachusetts, and was self-employed.[3] In World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the US Navy and was head of the Naval Aviation History Unit.[2]
Jennings first wrote short stories and travel narratives. His first novel, Next to Valour, set during the French and Indian War, was published in 1939.[4] It became a best-seller, translated into seven languages. His most popular novel was The Salem Frigate, a romantic adventure set on the US frigate Essex. Other seafaring adventures included The Sea Eagles, about the early days of the US Navy, and Chronicle of the Calypso, Clipper about a clipper race. Banners Against the Wind (1954) was a biographical novel about the pioneering doctor Samuel Gridley Howe.
Jennings died in December 1973 at his home in Miller Place, New York.[2] He was survived by his wife and a son.[2]
Selected bibliography edit
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Novels
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Nonfiction
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Sources edit
- The Encyclopedia of American Literature of the Sea and Great Lakes (2000), Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 213
- Twentieth Century Authors: A Biographical Dictionary of Modern Literature (1942), by Stanley Kunitz and Howard Haycraft, H.W. Wilson Company
References edit
- ^ "John Jennings (1906) in Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File". United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via fold3.com.
- ^ a b c d "John Jennings, Wrote Books About Salem". The Daily Item. Lynn, Massachusetts. December 6, 1973. p. 10. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Draft Registration Card". Selective Service System. October 1940. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via fold3.com.
- ^ "Books of This Week: John Jennings' First Novel Proves Robust French-Indian War Tale". The Boston Globe. June 16, 1939. p. 15. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via newspapers.com.