Robert Nathan

Born in New York City on January 2, 1894, Robert Nathan was an American novelist, poet, and screenwriter. He was educated in the United States and Switzerland and attended Harvard, where he began writing short fiction and poetry.

He went on to build a long literary career, becoming especially admired for novels that mixed everyday life with fantasy and emotion. Among his best-known books are Portrait of Jennie and The Bishop’s Wife, stories that helped define his warm, imaginative style.

Nathan also worked in film, writing for Hollywood as well as for the page. He died on May 25, 1985, leaving behind a body of work remembered for its grace, charm, and dreamlike storytelling.