Walter Farley (26 June, 1915 – 16 October, 1989) was an American who specialized in writing children books about horses.
Fun Facts about Walter Farley:
1. Walter Lorimer Farley was born in Syracuse, NY but his family soon moved to New York City. His uncle was a professional horseman and taught him about training the animals.
2. While still a student a Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, he was already writing The Black Stallion.
3. The Black Stallion was published in 1941, while Mr. Farley was working on his undergraduate degree in Columbia University. He graduated that same year.
4. The book was well received by both boys and girls all over the United States. The author received an enormous amount of mail asking for more stories.
5. During World War II, Walter Farley served as a reporter for Yank with 4th Armored Division of the U.S. Army.
6. In 1950, when The Black Stallion was already a best-selling book series, he had a contest for the name of the title character for his new book, The Black Stallion’s Filly. The contest received more than 50,000 entries, the name Black Minx was chosen and the girl who came up with it received an Arabian colt named Sadhu.
7. Walter Farley wrote about other horses, and delighted many children with his Stallion novels. He even wrote a fictional biography about Man O’War, America’s greatest thoroughbred.
8. The books were published in over 20 countries, including Israel, England, Italy Malaya, and Iceland.
9. As one would figure out, Walter Farley didn’t just like about horses, he loved horses and racing. He enjoyed being in the company of trainers and other industry professionals. This is the reason his books are so authentic. Together with his wife Rosemary and four children they even raised horses on their farm in PA.
10. Shortly before his 21st book of The Black Stallion series was published, Walter Farley passed away. His son, Steve Farley continues the series.
Zohar — Man of la Book
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Sources:
Walter Farley | Wikipedia
About Walter Farley | The Black Stallion
Walter Farley, 74, A Writer of a Series On a Black Stallion | NY Times
