Jack Schaefer was a well-known American novelist, born in 1907, who is best recognized for his significant contributions to Western fiction. Although he is closely associated with the American West in his works, Schaefer did not actually visit the region until later in his life.
Schaefer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of an attorney. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College, graduating in 1929 with a major in English. He then attended graduate school at Columbia University for a year but did not complete his Master of Arts degree. Following his brief stint in graduate school, Schaefer embarked on a career in journalism, holding editorial positions at various eastern publications.
It was not until 1949 that Schaefer achieved his first success as a novelist with the memorable novel Shane, which is set in Wyoming. Despite having never been to the West, Schaefer's writing resonated with readers and established his reputation as a skilled Western writer. His work gained further recognition when Shane was adapted into a classic film. Following this success, Schaefer moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1955, where he continued to write successful Western novels. He received the Western Literature Association's Distinguished Achievement award in 1975. Schaefer passed away in Santa Fe in 1991 due to heart failure. He was married twice and his novel Monte Walsh was adapted into movies in 1970 and 2003, while Shane was made into a movie and a series.