John P. Marquand


John P. Marquand Mr. Moto's Three Aces
 

Franklin Library John P. Marquand books

Mr. Moto's Three Aces - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1980
The Late George Apley - Pulitzer Prize Classics -1984
Thank you Mr. Moto and Mr. Moto is so sorry - Library of Mystery Masterpieces - 1989
 
 
 

John P. Marquand biography

John P. Marquand was a prolific American novelist, celebrated for his insightful portrayals of the American upper class and his keen observations of societal norms. Born John Phillips Marquand on November 10, 1893, in Wilmington, Delaware, Marquand was the son of Philip Marquand and his wife Margaret Fuller. His upbringing was privileged, with the family's wealth derived from the insurance industry. Marquand attended Harvard University, where he studied architecture and began his writing career. He contributed to various campus publications and developed a keen interest in literature. After graduating in 1915, Marquand served in World War I as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces, an experience that would later inform some of his writing. Marquand was assistant to the managing editor of the Boston Transcript from 1915 to 1917 and worked in the Sunday department of the New York Herald Tribute in 1919 and 1920. Marquand worked briefly as an advertising copywriter before committing himself fully to writing fiction. He gained recognition for his short stories, many of which were published in popular magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post. However, it was his novels that cemented his reputation as a chronicler of American society.

The first of John P. Marquand books was The Unspeakable Gentleman (1922). Marquand's breakthrough came with the publication of his novel The Late George Apley in 1937, for which he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1938. The novel satirically depicted the life of a Boston Brahmin and offered a scathing critique of the pretensions and hypocrisies of the upper class. Throughout his career, Marquand continued to explore themes of identity, conformity, and societal expectations in works such as Wickford Point (1939) and Point of No Return (1949). His characters often grappled with the tension between personal desires and societal obligations, reflecting the changing landscape of American society in the 20th century. Other books by John P. Marquand include So Little Time (1943), Repeat in Haste (1945), B.F.'s Daughter (1946), Point of No Return (1949), Melvin Goodwin, USA (1951), Sincerely, Willis Wayde (1955), and Life at Happy Knoll (1957).

In addition to his novels, Marquand also wrote spy fiction, notably the Mr. Moto series featuring the Japanese secret agent Mr. Moto. These novels, set against the backdrop of international espionage, provided Marquand with another avenue to explore themes of identity and cultural misunderstanding. As a writer of American detective stories, John P. Marquand was known for his creation of the fictional Japanese detective Mr. Moto, the main character in Thank You, Mr Moto (1936) and other detective stories by John P. Marquand.

Marquand's literary achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including membership in the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He died on July 16, 1960, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature that continues to be studied and appreciated for its incisive commentary on American society.
 
 

Thank you Mr. Moto

Thank You, Mr. Moto is a novel written by John P. Marquand, first published in 1936. It is the second book in the Mr. Moto series, featuring the Japanese secret agent Mr. Moto, who serves as the protagonist. The novel is set against the backdrop of international intrigue and espionage in the years leading up to World War II. The story begins with the protagonist, Mr. Moto, visiting China, where he becomes embroiled in a complex plot involving Chinese revolutionaries, Russian agents, and Western businessmen. As Mr. Moto navigates the treacherous political landscape of pre-war Asia, he must use all of his cunning and intelligence to uncover the truth and prevent a catastrophic conflict.

Throughout the novel, Marquand skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and adventure, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The character of Mr. Moto is portrayed as a highly skilled and enigmatic figure, capable of outwitting his adversaries with ease. In addition to its thrilling plot, Thank You, Mr. Moto also explores themes of cultural identity, nationalism, and the clash of East and West. Marquand's portrayal of the exotic locales and diverse cast of characters adds depth and richness to the story, immersing readers in a world of intrigue and danger.

Thank You, Mr. Moto received critical acclaim upon its release and helped establish John P. Marquand as a master of the spy genre. The novel's success led to a series of sequels featuring the character of Mr. Moto, further solidifying his place in popular culture. Today, Thank You, Mr. Moto remains a classic work of espionage fiction, beloved by readers for its thrilling plot and memorable characters.
 
 

Mr. Moto Is So Sorry

Mr. Moto Is So Sorry is a novel written by John P. Marquand, first published in 1938. It is the third book in the Mr. Moto series, featuring the Japanese secret agent Mr. Moto as the protagonist. Set against the backdrop of international espionage and political intrigue in the years leading up to World War II, the novel follows Mr. Moto as he becomes embroiled in a complex plot spanning multiple continents. The story begins with Mr. Moto traveling to England, where he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving British intelligence, Nazi sympathizers, and Japanese nationalists. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Mr. Moto must navigate a treacherous web of deceit and betrayal to uncover the truth and prevent a catastrophic conflict.

Marquand's skillful storytelling and attention to detail bring the world of Mr. Moto Is So Sorry to life, immersing readers in a thrilling tale of espionage and adventure. The character of Mr. Moto is portrayed as a master of disguise and deception, using his intelligence and resourcefulness to outwit his adversaries at every turn. In addition to its gripping plot, Mr. Moto Is So Sorry also explores themes of cultural identity, nationalism, and the complexities of international relations. Marquand's nuanced portrayal of the geopolitical landscape of the time adds depth and richness to the story, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of the forces shaping the world in the years leading up to World War II.

Mr. Moto Is So Sorry received widespread acclaim upon its release, cementing John P. Marquand's reputation as a master of the spy genre. The novel's success led to a series of sequels featuring the character of Mr. Moto, further solidifying his place in popular culture. Today, Mr. Moto Is So Sorry remains a classic work of espionage fiction, beloved by readers for its thrilling plot, memorable characters, and insightful commentary on the human condition.
 
 

The Late George Apley

The Late George Apley is a novel written by John P. Marquand, first published in 1937. It stands as one of Marquand's most celebrated works, offering a poignant and satirical portrayal of Boston's upper class during the early 20th century. Set in Boston, the novel takes the form of a fictional biography of George Apley, a prominent and conservative member of the Boston Brahmin elite. Through a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, the narrative traces Apley's life from his upbringing in a privileged family to his eventual death.

Marquand uses Apley's life story as a lens through which to explore themes of tradition, conformity, and the changing social landscape of America. Apley is depicted as a man deeply committed to the values and customs of his class, yet increasingly out of touch with the modern world. As he navigates the complexities of family, society, and personal ambition, Apley grapples with the tension between upholding tradition and embracing change. The Late George Apley is praised for its incisive wit, sharp social commentary, and richly drawn characters. Marquand's portrayal of Boston's upper class is both affectionate and critical, capturing the contradictions and complexities of a society in transition.

Upon its publication, The Late George Apley received widespread acclaim, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1938. The novel's success solidified Marquand's reputation as one of America's foremost chroniclers of social mores and earned him a place among the country's literary elite. Today, The Late George Apley remains a classic work of American literature, beloved by readers for its timeless themes and masterful storytelling. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its insights into the human condition and its exploration of the tensions between tradition and progress in American society.



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