John Richard Hersey's life journey took him from the bustling city of Tianjin, China, to the world stage as a renowned author and journalist. Born on June 17, 1914, to Roscoe and Grace Baird Hersey, his early years were marked by a unique blend of cultural experiences. Despite the exotic backdrop of his childhood, Hersey described his early years as typical, grounded in the routines and adventures of a young boy.

Early Education and Aspirations

By 1924, Hersey was transplanted to the United States, a land he knew only through stories and literature. He began his American education at Briarcliff Manor public schools in New York and later attended Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, where he graduated in 1932. Excelling in academics, Hersey pursued a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, completing his studies in 1936, and then furthered his education in English literature at Clare College, Cambridge, on a Mellon Scholarship. Driven by a desire to join Time magazine, Hersey patiently waited for his chance, even working as a secretary and driver for Sinclair Lewis in 1937, the same year the Japanese forces invaded Manchuria.

Reporting in Conflict Zones

Hersey's career as a journalist was defined by his fearless coverage of war-torn regions. In 1937, his background made him an ideal candidate for reporting on the Sino-Japanese War, leading to his assignment with Time in Chungking. Throughout World War II, Hersey was on the front lines, reporting from the South Pacific, Sicily, and Moscow, often risking his life. His firsthand experiences, such as narrowly surviving two plane crashes, including one over the Pacific Ocean, added authenticity to his stories. It was during these turbulent times that he documented a young John F. Kennedy's heroics on PT 109, a story that would later bolster Kennedy's political career.

Literary Career and Acclaim

Hersey published his first book, Men on Bataan, in 1942, which served as a morale booster for a nation reeling from early wartime losses. He followed this with Into the Valley, drawing from his own experiences with U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal. This book's genuine portrayal of combat earned Hersey recognition and a commendation from the Navy. His venture into fiction with A Bell for Adano, based on his observations in Sicily, earned him a Pulitzer Prize, although he was often too engaged in ongoing journalistic assignments to fully bask in its success.

Impact of Hiroshima

Hersey's most renowned work, Hiroshima, emerged from his postings in China and Japan. This seminal piece, published in The New Yorker, offered an intimate look at the aftermath of the atomic bomb through the eyes of six survivors. The decision to dedicate an entire issue to Hiroshima underscored its monumental impact. The piece was widely disseminated, catching the attention of prominent figures like Albert Einstein and Bernard Baruch, and even faced censorship in Japan by American authorities. Hersey's moral stance was evident as he donated much of his earnings from the book to the American Red Cross. In 1965, his work's profound impact was highlighted when he read excerpts at the White House Festival of the Arts, protesting the Vietnam War escalation.

Political Engagement and Later Works

Following the success of Hiroshima, Hersey co-founded '47—The Magazine of the Year, though it did not last beyond its inaugural issue. He became more politically active, supporting the United Nations and joining the Authors' League and other political committees. Hersey's political involvement extended into the 1950s, notably supporting Adlai Stevenson's presidential campaign and advocating for government transparency long before it became a widespread cause.

Exploration of Allegory in Writing

In the...