Paul George Vincent O’Shaughnessy Horgan, an American author deeply influenced by the Southwest and his Roman Catholic beliefs, explored themes of enlightenment and love throughout his work. Born on August 1, 1903, in Buffalo, New York, he was the second child in a family that combined English-Irish and French-German roots. His early exposure to Roman Catholicism significantly shaped his worldview, and his family’s move to New Mexico in 1915 introduced him to a landscape and culture that would heavily influence his writing.

Early Life and Influences

Horgan’s early years in Buffalo were marked by a strong Roman Catholic influence from his parents, which ultimately permeated his work. The move to New Mexico was pivotal, as it not only improved his father’s health but also immersed young Horgan in a rich cultural tapestry of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American histories. This "tierra encantada" captivated him, sparking his lifelong fascination with the region's stark yet beautiful landscapes.

Formative Years and Education

Adolescence revealed Horgan’s diverse talents in music, art, acting, and writing. He attended public schools in Albuquerque, where he was taught by Willa Cather’s sister. Briefly serving as a reporter and music critic for the Albuquerque Morning Journal in 1920, Horgan then spent three years at the New Mexico Military Institute, excelling in literature, drama, music, and art. The death of his father in 1922 was a turning point, prompting a move back East and three years of study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. During this time, his work in theater production under Rouben Mamoulian helped him decide to focus on writing.

Return to New Mexico and Early Writing Career

In 1925, Horgan returned to Roswell as the librarian at the New Mexico Military Institute, a role he held for sixteen years. This position allowed him to reconnect with the Southwest and dedicate himself to writing. Despite initial rejections of five novels, Horgan persisted, viewing these attempts as a crucial apprenticeship. By 1931, he published Men of Arms, and two years later, The Fault of Angels earned him the Harper Prize Novel Contest. His works from this period, including No Quarter Given and The Habit of Empire, reflect his deep connection to the Southwestern setting and historical narrative.

World War II and Academic Pursuits

Horgan’s career paused for World War II service, where he led the Army Information Branch and earned the Legion of Merit. Post-war, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship to research Rio Grande cultures, lectured at the University of Iowa, and played a role in founding the Santa Fe Opera. These activities marked a transition from fiction to historical and cultural exploration, culminating in the publication of his acclaimed Great River in 1954.

Major Works and Later Career

Great River, a comprehensive examination of the Rio Grande’s cultural history, won Horgan both the Pulitzer Prize and the Bancroft Prize. His subsequent works, like The Centuries of Santa Fe, further explored his Catholic themes, though he insisted his writing transcended mere religious identity. By the late 1950s, Horgan relocated to New England, yet remained connected to New Mexico through longstanding projects like the Santa Fe Opera.

Later Achievements and Legacy

Horgan’s move to New England saw him embrace a role at Wesleyan University, where he became a Fellow and later director of the Center for Advanced Studies. Here, he mingled with intellectual giants and continued to write novels that spanned both Eastern and Western settings. His personal life remained dedicated to his craft, surrounded by an extensive library and art collection in his home.

Final Works and Recognition

Notable later...