John Gunther
John Gunther was born on August 30th, 1901. John passed away May 29th, 1970 at 68 years old. John Gunther was born in North Side, Chicago, IL, USA. Gunther attended the University of Chicago where he received a BPhil degree.
John Gunther was an American journalist and writer. He rose to prominence through his sociopolitical works but is now best known for his memoir
Death Be Not Proud, which recounts the death of his son Johnny Gunther, who died from a brain tumor.
Gunther’s memoir
Death Be Not Proud is a heartbreaking story that ultimately encourages readers to appreciate the simple fact of being alive. Johnny Gunther, the subject of the memoir, was the son of John and Frances Gunther. He died at the age of seventeen in 1947 after battling a brain tumor for fifteen months. The book tells the story of his illness and how he endured it with courage and dignity.
Death Be Not Proud is a painful narrative, and Gunther spares neither himself nor his readers. It is a story of great heroism and great unselfishness. If readers can face descriptions of literal battle, Gunther suggests they can face this emotional one.
Johnny was a tall, handsome boy with charm, humor and intelligence. According to his father, he was thoughtful and considerate of others. He never knew that his parents understood how serious his illness was, and he wanted the truth kept from them just as they kept their knowledge from him. It is difficult to recount everything he endured, from the operation that briefly raised hope to the many moments when hope rose and then vanished.
Despite the pain, John Gunther wrote this memoir, and perhaps, as the title suggests, found some measure of comfort through the act of writing. Johnny may not have been a genius, and his father never claims he was, but he was deeply gifted. He played chess, took five subjects in a single year at Deerfield Academy, something no student had done before, and after fourteen months away, he returned to school and graduated with his class.
Gunther recalls that his son read serious books and sometimes offered useful advice on the manuscripts his father was working on. After his illness began, Johnny wrote letters to his schoolmates and even to Dr. Einstein a few days after his first operation. Dr. Einstein replied, “we may have a conversation about it.”
A few months before his death, Johnny wrote in his diary: “Accept misfortune; get yourself off your hands; be spontaneous and aware; love.” He was still reading, thinking and planning two weeks before he died. The last words he wrote were a translation of an old Hebrew toast: “To Life.”
Death Be Not Proud is a book for readers who can endure a truly heartbreaking story of Johnny Gunther and the grief of his father.
Related Authors
Fans of John Gunther also enjoy these authors:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- John Sandford, author of the Prey/Lucas Davenport Series.
- Dean Koontz, author of the Odd Thomas Series.
- Karin Slaughter, author of the Will Trent Series.
- Lisa Gardner, author of the Detective D.D. Warren Series.
John Gunther: F.A.Q
When was John Gunther Born?
John Gunther was born on August 30th, 1901.
When did John Gunther die?
John Gunther died on May 29th, 1970 at 68 years old.
Where was John Gunther Born?
John Gunther was born in North Side, Chicago, IL, USA.
What was the first book John Gunther wrote?
The first book written by John Gunther was The Red Pavilion,, published in 1926.
What was the most recent book John Gunther wrote?
His most recently released work was The Indian Sign on February 1st, 1970.
What is the most popular book by John Gunther?
Based on the number of readers on Book Notification, the most popular John Gunther book is
Death Be Not Proud. Here are his most popular books:
- Death Be Not Proud (8)
How many books has John Gunther written?
John Gunther has written 26 books. 7 Standalone Novels, 19 Non-Fiction Books.