Erich Segal

Easton Press Erich Segal books

Love Story - signed modern classic - 2002

Writer Erich Segal

Erich Segal, born on June 16, 1937, was an American author, screenwriter, and educator, best known for his immensely popular novel Love Story. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family with roots in Eastern Europe. Segal's early years were marked by academic excellence and a passion for literature, which would shape his future career. After graduating as class poet from Midwood High School, Segal went on to attend Harvard University, where he distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958, graduating as the top student in his class, and later received his Master's degree in 1959 and a Doctorate in Comparative Literature in 1965, both from Harvard as well. During his time at Harvard, Segal developed a close friendship with fellow student Al Gore, who would later become Vice President of the United States. Segal also served as a professor of Greek and Latin literature at Harvard, where he gained a reputation as a dynamic and engaging educator.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Segal pursued a career as a writer, penning numerous screenplays and novels. However, it was his novel Love Story, published in 1970, that catapulted him to international fame and became his most enduring work. The novel, a poignant tale of love and loss, struck a chord with readers around the world and spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list. It was later adapted into a highly successful film starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal, further cementing its place in popular culture. Following the success of Love Story, Segal continued to write novels, including Oliver's Story (1977) and The Class (1985), which further showcased his talent for crafting compelling narratives and exploring themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.

In addition to his writing career, Segal remained active in academia, teaching at various universities and lecturing on literature and screenwriting. He also served as a visiting professor at Princeton University and Yale University. Erich Segal passed away on January 17, 2010, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate readers around the world. His contributions to literature and academia have earned him a lasting place in literary history, and his influence can still be felt in the countless readers and writers who have been touched by his work.