Ruth Stiles Gannett

Ruth Stiles Gannett Kahn (August 12, 1923 – June 11, 2024) was a celebrated American children's writer, renowned for her beloved "My Father's Dragon" series. Her literary works have captivated the imaginations of young readers across generations, securing her a lasting legacy in the world of children's literature.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Stiles Gannett was born on August 12, 1923, in New York City. She attended the City and Country School in Greenwich Village, where she thrived in an environment that encouraged creative expression. She graduated in 1937 and went on to attend the George School, a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania. Gannett then pursued higher education at Vassar College, graduating in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.

Early Career

After completing her degree, Gannett moved to Boston, where she worked at Boston General Hospital and the Massachusetts Radiation Laboratory. Her career path took a significant turn when she decided to work at a ski lodge, a period during which she began to seriously consider a career in writing. Returning to live with her parents, Gannett found the inspiration and support she needed to complete her first and most famous work, "My Father's Dragon."

In 1947, the same year she published her seminal work, Ruth Stiles Gannett married H. Peter Kahn, an artist and art history professor. This partnership would prove to be both personally and professionally significant.

Writing Career

Gannett's debut novel, "My Father's Dragon," was published by Random House in 1948. The book was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal, recognizing it as one of the year's most distinguished contributions to American children's literature. This success spurred her to write two sequels, "Elmer and the Dragon" (1950) and "The Dragons of Blueland" (1951). Together, these three books are often referred to as the "My Father's Dragon" series or the "Elmer and the Dragons" trilogy.

The enchanting illustrations for these books were provided by Gannett's stepmother, Ruth Chrisman Gannett, and the typography was designed by her husband, Peter Kahn. The series has been translated into fourteen languages, allowing Gannett's whimsical storytelling to reach a global audience.

In addition to her famous trilogy, Gannett authored two other children's books: "The Wonderful House-Boat-Train" (1949) and "Katie and the Sad Noise" (1961), illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg and Ellie Simmons, respectively. Though these works did not achieve the same level of acclaim as her dragon series, they contributed to her reputation as a skilled writer of children's literature.

Personal Life

Ruth Stiles Gannett's marriage to H. Peter Kahn was a cornerstone of her life. In 1947, the same year her first dragon adventure was published, she married H. Peter Kahn, an artist and art history professor. The couple had seven daughters and, at the time of Kahn's death in 1997, eight grandchildren. They resided in Trumansburg, New York, near Cornell University, where Peter Kahn was a faculty member for forty years. Gannett's family connections also included notable ancestry; she was the great-granddaughter of Ezra Stiles Gannett, a prominent Unitarian minister.

Gannett lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away on June 11, 2024, at the age of 100. Her contributions to children's literature have left an indelible mark, and her works continue to be cherished by readers of all ages.

Legacy

Ruth Stiles Gannett's literary legacy is anchored by her "My Father's Dragon" series, which has endured as a classic in children's literature. Her ability to craft engaging and imaginative stories has earned her a special place in the hearts of readers and in the annals of literary history. Her works remain in print, continuing to inspire new generations of young readers with their charm and creativity.

Works

My Father's Dragon Series

• My Father's Dragon (1948)
• Elmer and the Dragon (1950)
• The Dragons of Blueland (1951)

50th Anniversary Omnibus Edition:

• Three Tales of My Father's Dragon (1998)

Other Works

• The Wonderful House-Boat-Train (1949)
• Katie and the Sad Noise (1961)
• Introduction to Edith Nesbit's The Book of Dragons (1991 Yearling edition)

Ruth Stiles Gannett's enduring contributions to children's literature have earned her a place among the great authors of her genre, and her stories continue to enchant readers around the world.