Ben Ames Williams

Born in Macon, Mississippi, in 1889 and raised in Jackson, Ohio, Ben Ames Williams grew up around newspapers through his father’s work and went on to graduate from Dartmouth College in 1910. He began as a journalist before moving into fiction, building a remarkably productive career in magazines and books.

Williams became known for publishing hundreds of short stories along with dozens of novels. Readers often remember him for Maine-set fiction and for books such as Come Spring, Leave Her to Heaven, House Divided, and All the Brothers Were Valiant. His stories proved highly adaptable, and a number were turned into films.

He died in 1953, but his reputation as a dependable, wide-ranging popular writer has lasted. For listeners who enjoy classic American fiction with momentum, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place, his work still has plenty to offer.