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US writer James Salter, once described as America's most "underrated
underrated author," has died aged 90.
Salter, who died in New York at a physical therapy session, never
achieved the widespread recognition that he craved but instead
critically acclaimed for almost all his work.
Born 10 June 1925 as James Horowitz, he entered the US Air Force and
served with the military until 1957 when he quit to devote his full
attention to writing.
He legally changed his name to Salter as he did not want undue
attention from the military after the publication of his first novel
The Hunters (1957), he toldThe New Yorker.
The book was later turned into a film starring Robert Mitchum.He
published a number of screenplays and short stories, but was most
proud of his third novelASport and a Pastime(1967)."In its peculiar
compound of lucid surface and dark interior, it's as nearly perfect as
any American fiction I know," novelist Reynolds Price wrote after the
book was reissued in 1985.
But despite the accolades of reviewers, and small but steady sales,
Salter lacked the popularity he seemed to desire. "You can't be
admitted to the ranks of writers of importance unless you have sales,"
he said.
Married twice, Salter is survived by his three children with his first
wife, Ann Altemus, and a son with his second, the writer Kay Elredge.
The death of his eldest child, daughter Allan, in 1980 severely
affected him. "I have never been able to write the story," he
recalledof the moment he attempted to resuscitate her.
In his later years he achieved somemeasure of recognition for his work.
Salter was awarded the PEN/Falkner award for a collection of short
stories and chosen for Yale's literary award the Windham Campbell
Prizes in 2013.
Credit: Independent.co.uk
