Carey McWilliams
- Born:
- December 13, 1905, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
- Died:
- June 27, 1980, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Journalist, Editor, Lawyer
Early Life and Education
- Attended University of Southern California, graduating in 1927.
- Received a law degree from USC in 1927.
- Early exposure to social injustices shaped his later advocacy work.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law briefly before transitioning to journalism and writing.
- Served as California's Commissioner of Immigration and Housing (1938-1942).
- Edited The Nation magazine from 1955 to 1975, significantly increasing its readership and influence.
- Authored numerous influential books and articles focusing on social issues, particularly in California and the American West.
- Advocated for the rights of migrant workers and minority groups.
Notable Works
- Factories in the Field (1939): A seminal study of California agriculture and the exploitation of farmworkers.
- Ill Fares the Land: Migrants and Migratory Labor in the United States (1942): Examined the plight of migrant workers across the nation.
- North From Mexico (1949): A comprehensive history of Mexican Americans and their contributions to American society.
- California: The Great Exception (1949): A critical analysis of California's history, culture, and politics.
- Brothers Under the Skin (1943, revised 1964): Explored the history of racial and ethnic discrimination in America.
Legacy and Impact
Carey McWilliams was a prominent voice for social justice and civil rights, leaving a lasting impact on American thought and policy. His writings continue to be studied for their insightful analysis of social and political issues. This brief overview of a Carey McWilliams biography only touches on the breadth of his contributions.