Jim Harrison was an acclaimed American author, renowned for his versatility in writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. He was born in Grayling, Michigan, to Winfield Sprague Harrison, a county agricultural agent, and Norma Olivia (Wahlgren) Harrison, both of whom were avid readers. Harrison attended Haslett School in Michigan and went on to study at Michigan State University.
Harrison is best known for his fiction, particularly his trilogy of novellas, Legends of the Fall, which was later adapted into movies. His writing is often set in sparsely populated regions of North America, such as Nebraska's Sand Hills, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Montana's mountains, and the Arizona-Mexico border. These settings reflect Harrison's love for open spaces and his appreciation for the beauty of nature.
In addition to his fiction, Harrison was a prolific poet, publishing over three dozen books of poetry throughout his career. His poetry, like his prose, often explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. He also wrote literary criticism, screenplays, book reviews, and essays about food and the outdoors. Despite publishing numerous works, Harrison remains best known for the Legends of the Fall.
Harrison's writing has often been compared to that of Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner. He created characters that are rural by birth and retain qualities of the agrarian revolution, resulting in a common sense and rugged intelligence. These characters are often attuned to both the civilized and natural world, reflecting Harrison's own appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature. Harrison's work continues to be celebrated and translated into over two dozen languages, and he remains an influential figure in American literature.