Ann Charles

Ann Charles (1913-1997) was a prolific American author best known for her historical fiction. Born in New York City, she embarked on her writing career after raising her family and earned a master's degree in English from the University of Chicago. Charles's novels skillfully blended historical events with fictional narratives, often focusing on the lives of marginalized women. Her most notable works include "Garden of Evil" (1954), which traces the rise and fall of an 18th-century American utopian community, and "Peaceable Kingdom" (1962), a Pulitzer Prize finalist that explores the struggles of a Quaker family during the American Revolution. Throughout her career, Charles received critical acclaim for her vivid historical recreations and compelling characterizations. She was a member of the prestigious National Book Critics Circle and received numerous grants and awards, including the Western Heritage Award and the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original. Ann Charles's legacy as a historical novelist continues to inspire and entertain readers.