Shelby Foote
#173,436 Most Popular
About
An influential Civil War historian and author, he is best known for his three-volume work, The Civil War: A Narrative. He was one of the primary historians interviewed in the Ken Burns PBS mini-series, The Civil War.
Before Fame
He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and wrote for the university's literary journal. He published his debut novel, Tournament, in 1949.
Trivia
His detailed historical accounts of the Civil War focus on everything from intimate moments (such as Robert E. Lee's tearful, post-surrender address to his Confederate troops) to large-scale military strategy.
Family Life
He was born in Greenville, Mississippi, and he died in Memphis, Tennessee. He was married three times-- to Tess Lavery, Peggy Desommes, and Gwyn Rainer-- and had two children.
Associated With
He considered fellow southern author, William Faulkner, to be his literary mentor.
