Who Is Thomas Wolfe? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 3, 1900, Thomas Wolfe was an influential American novelist known for his vivid, lyrical writing style and deeply introspective themes. He passed away in 1938, but his work continues to resonate with readers today. Wolfe's masterpieces, such as Look Homeward, Angel and Of Time and the River, offered a profound exploration of the human condition, reflecting both personal experiences and broader societal issues.
As of 2025, Wolfe's literary contributions are celebrated globally, securing his place as one of the most significant American writers of the 20th century. His style, often characterized by stream-of-consciousness narrative and vivid imagery, has inspired countless authors and continues to be studied in educational institutions.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1900 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 15 September, 1938 |
| Died Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
Popularity
Thomas Wolfe's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While the exact height and weight of Thomas Wolfe are not well-documented, it is known that he was a tall individual, standing at about 6 feet 5 inches. His physical presence was often noted in biographies and interviews, with descriptions emphasizing his striking stature. Wolfe was known for his unique physicality, which complemented his larger-than-life literary persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Thomas Wolfe had a complex personal life marked by various relationships. Despite numerous acquaintances and passionate connections, he never married. Throughout his life, Wolfe had several romantic relationships, including notable affairs with women such as Aline Bernstein and others that influenced his personal and artistic journey. His relationships often mirrored the themes of love and longing found in his novels, reflecting the emotional depth of his writings.
Wolfe's mother took in boarders and was active in acquiring real estate. In 1904, she opened a boarding house in St. Louis, Missouri, for the World's Fair. While the family was in St. Louis, Wolfe's 12-year-old brother, Grover, died of typhoid fever.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Thomas Wolfe's literary works achieved significant acclaim posthumously, estimating his net worth from his lifetime earnings can be challenging. However, Wolfe's novels have generated substantial sales over the decades, contributing to a lasting legacy. As of 2025, while exact figures are elusive, experts suggest that Wolfe's estate continues to earn revenue from book sales, adaptations, and literary royalties, affirming his status as a key figure in American literature.
Career, Business and Investments
Thomas Wolfe's literary career was marked by a distinct voice that vividly captured the essence of American life during the early 20th century. After his initial successes, Wolfe faced numerous challenges, including the rejection of several early drafts and battling with publishers. Despite setbacks, he persevered, producing works that are now considered classics.
Wolfe's writing, often infused with autobiographical elements, drew on his experiences, travels, and observations of society. Beyond literature, he had limited business ventures but invested considerable time in literary communities and workshops, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural narratives.
In 1906, Julia Wolfe bought a boarding house named "Old Kentucky Home" at nearby 48 Spruce Street in Asheville, taking up residence there with her youngest son while the rest of the family remained at the Woodfin Street residence. Wolfe lived in the boarding house on Spruce Street until he went to college in 1916.
It is now the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. Wolfe was closest to his brother Ben, whose early death at age 26 is chronicled in Look Homeward, Angel. Julia Wolfe bought and sold many properties, eventually becoming a successful real estate speculator.
Social Network
Although Thomas Wolfe lived long before the advent of social media, his influence on literary circles and friendships with contemporaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway established him as a notable figure in the American literary community. In a modern context, had he lived longer, one could imagine Wolfe actively participating in literary discussions on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, similarly engaging with audiences about his creative processes and literary philosophies.
Thomas Clayton Wolfe (October 3, 1900 – September 15, 1938) was an American novelist and short story writer. He is known largely for his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel (1929), and for the short fiction that appeared during the last years of his life.
He was one of the pioneers of autobiographical fiction, and along with William Faulkner, he is considered one of the most important authors of the Southern Renaissance within the American literary canon. He has been dubbed "North Carolina's most famous writer".
Education
Thomas Wolfe attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he made significant strides in literature and theater. He graduated in 1920 and later pursued graduate studies at Harvard University. His education played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of literature, drama, and the complexities of human emotion, which are hallmarks of his writing style.
Wolfe graduated from UNC with a bachelor of arts in June 1920, and in September, entered Harvard University, where he studied playwriting under George Pierce Baker. Two versions of his play The Mountains were performed by Baker's 47 Workshop in 1921.
While taking Baker's 47 Workshop course he befriended the playwright Kenneth Raisbeck who was Baker's graduate assistant. Wolfe later based the character of Francis Starwick in his semi-autobiographical novel Of Time and the River (1935) on Raisbeck.
