Ernest Hemingway

1899 - 1961
American
writer
provide a short description of Ernest Hemingway's life and work

Life & Work Timeline

Follow the journey of Ernest Hemingway through time, including major life events and published works.

1899
  • Hemingway witnessed his father's death, which influenced 'Indian Camp'.

1902
  • Ursula Hemingway was born, one of Ernest's younger sisters,

1903
  • Hemingway's mother, Hadley, lost her father to suicide. This traumatic event had a lasting impact on her life and relationships with her family members, including her son Ernest.

1904
  • Madelaine Hemingway was born, another of Ernest's younger sisters,

1911
  • Carol Hemingway was born, the youngest of Ernest's siblings,

1913
  • Attended Oak Park and River Forest High School for four years, where he developed his passion for writing and journalism.

1915
  • Leicester Hemingway was born, one of Ernest's younger brothers,

1917
  • Volunteered to the Red Cross recruitment effort in December, marking a turning point in his life as he prepared to leave for war.

1918
  • Ernest served as an ambulance driver on the Italian Front during World War I,

  • Sailed from New York on May 1st and arrived at the Italian Front six weeks later, where he would face immense danger and experience profound personal growth.

  • Was seriously wounded during mortar fire on July 8th, sustaining severe shrapnel wounds to both legs that required immediate medical attention.

  • Hemingway served as an ambulance driver in World War I, witnessing the harsh realities of war and its impact on soldiers.

1919
  • Returned to the United States in January, bringing with him valuable life experiences and a newfound appreciation for the human condition.

  • Hemingway returned home after the war, struggling with readjustment.

  • Went on a fishing and camping trip with high school friends in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which inspired his short story 'Big Two-Hearted River'.

  • Began as a freelancer and staff writer for the Toronto Star Weekly.

1920
  • Returned to Michigan after completing work in Toronto.

  • Moved to Chicago to live with friends while continuing to file stories for the Toronto Star, where he worked as an associate editor of the monthly journal Cooperative Commonwealth.

  • Hemingway became friends with F. Scott Fitzgerald, who had a significant influence on Hemingway's writing style and literary career.

  • Death in the Afternoon

    Original: Death in the afternoon

1921
  • Ernest moved to Paris and worked as a foreign correspondent for the Toronto Star,

  • Married Hadley on September 3rd, marking his first marriage.

  • Signed as a foreign correspondent for the Toronto Star in November, expanding his career opportunities.

  • Moved to Paris with Hadley after two months of marriage, embarking on a new life.

1922
  • Met Sylvia Beach's bookstore in Paris, France, marking the beginning of an influential literary relationship and a hub for writers' gatherings.

1923
  • Visited Italy, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of war on Smyrna during the Greco-Turkish War, leaving a lasting impression on his perspective as a journalist.

  • Three Stories & Ten Poems

    Original: Three stories & ten poems

1924
  • Lived on the same street as Ezra Pound in Paris, France, sharing literary circles and fostering connections with influential writers of the time.

  • Hemingway returned to Paris with his family, reestablishing himself in the city's vibrant expatriate community and beginning a new chapter in his life as a writer.

1925
  • Published his first book of stories, 'In Our Time,' which received critical acclaim and marked a significant milestone in his literary career.

  • Met F. Scott Fitzgerald while traveling with Hemingway to Pamplona, Spain, beginning an enduring friendship between two prominent American writers.

  • Left with Hemingways to spend winter in Schruns, Austria. This trip marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would be shaped by his relationships with Pauline Pfeiffer and other influences from Europe.

  • In Our Time

    Original: In our time

1926
  • Ernest published his debut novel 'The Sun Also Rises',

  • Hadley became aware of Hemingway's affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. As Hadley struggled to come to terms with her husband's infidelity, she began to question their marriage and ultimately led to their divorce in January 1927.

  • The New York Times reviewed Hemingway's first novel, 'The Sun Also Rises',

  • The Sun Also Rises

  • The Torrents of Spring

    Original: The torrents of spring

1927
  • Published his collection of short stories Men Without Women, which included the boxing story Fifty Grand. This publication showcased Hemingway's growing reputation as a writer and cemented his connection to the literary world.

  • Suffered a severe head injury when he pulled a skylight down on his own head in Paris. This accident left him with physical scars that would take time to heal, both literally and emotionally.

  • Formally requested a divorce from Hemingway. Hadley's decision marked the end of their marriage and paved the way for her remarriage to Pauline Pfeiffer later in the year.

  • Men Without Women

  • The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Other Stories

    Original: The snows of Kilimanjaro, and other stories

1928
  • Ernest returned to the U.S. and settled in Key West, Florida,

  • Moved to Key West, Florida with Pauline and Dos Passos. This relocation brought a fresh start for Hemingway, one that would be marked by personal growth, new relationships, and eventually, fatherhood.

  • Born their son Patrick on June 28th in Kansas City, Missouri. The arrival of his child marked a significant turning point in Hemingway's life, one that would redefine his priorities and sense of purpose.

  • Finished drafting A Farewell to Arms while living in Italy, marking a pivotal moment in his literary career as he poured his emotions into the novel's narrative of love, loss, and war.

  • Cinquante mille dollars

1929
  • Ernest published his novel 'A Farewell to Arms', inspired by his war experiences,

  • Published A Farewell to Arms on September 27th, solidifying his reputation as a prominent writer and earning widespread critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of human experience during World War I.

  • A Farewell to Arms

1930
  • Suffered intense pain due to nerve damage in his writing hand after breaking his arm in a car accident while taking Dos Passos to the train station in Billings, Montana, forcing him to endure a lengthy recovery period.

  • The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway

1933
  • Embarked on a safari adventure with Pauline in Kenya, providing Hemingway with inspiration for future works and allowing him to explore the African wilderness.

  • Winner Take Nothing

    Original: Winner take nothing

1934
  • Purchased the boat Pilar, which would become his trusted vessel for sailing excursions in the Caribbean, offering a sense of freedom and escape from the pressures of his writing life.

1935
  • Published Green Hills of Africa, which received mixed reviews but showcased Hemingway's ability to capture the essence of African wildlife and the human experience through his distinctive literary style.

  • Green Hills of Africa

1936
  • The Spanish Civil War influenced Hemingway's work, shaping his views on politics and society.

1937
  • Ernest traveled to Spain to cover the Spanish Civil War,

  • Wrote and published To Have and Have Not while in Spain, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller and capturing the complexities of human relationships during wartime.

  • Arrived in Spain with Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens, marking a pivotal moment in her life and artistic career. The trip would have been an opportunity for her to explore the country's culture and politics, which would later influence her work. With Ivens, she was likely exposed to various aspects of Spanish society, including the ongoing Spanish Civil War.

  • Prepared the soundtrack for the film 'The Spanish Earth' in the United States before returning to France, where she may have continued her work on other projects or maintained connections with artists and intellectuals. The soundtrack was a significant element of the film, which documented the experiences of the Spanish people during the Civil War.

  • Incarceration of José Robles, a friend and Spanish translator, led to John Dos Passos leaving the project 'The Spanish Earth' and caused tension with Ernest Hemingway. This event highlights the complex relationships between artists and their collaborators during this period.

  • Returned to France after spending time in Spain, marking a shift in her geographical location and potentially influencing her artistic direction. The exact timing of her return is not specified, but it occurred before the end of the year.

  • Visited Belchite and Teruel in Spain, witnessing firsthand the impact of the Spanish Civil War on civilians. This experience likely had a profound effect on her perspective and artistic vision, as she documented the war's effects through her work.

  • To Have and Have Not

    Original: To have and have not

  • By-Line: Ernest Hemingway

    Original: By-line

1938
  • Returned to Key West, Florida, after spending time in Spain and France, where she may have continued working on various projects or maintained connections with artists. The exact timing of her return is not specified, but it occurred before the end of the year.

  • Traveled to Spain, witnessing the Battle of the Ebro, a significant event in the Spanish Civil War. This experience would have provided her with a unique perspective on the conflict and its impact on civilians.

  • The Fifth Column

    Original: The fifth column

1939
  • Crossed from Cuba to Key West, Florida, by boat to start anew after experiencing a painful separation from wife Pauline. This marked a significant turning point in her life, as she began a new chapter with Martha Gellhorn.

  • The First Forty-Nine Stories

    Original: The first forty-nine stories

1940
  • Ernest published his novel 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', based on his experiences in Spain,

  • Got married to Martha on November 20th in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after her divorce from Pauline was finalized. The marriage solidified her relationship with Martha and marked the beginning of their life together.

  • Hemingway's delusions surfaced in the 1940s,

  • For Whom the Bell Tolls

1941
  • The United States entered the war after the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia - After suffering from mental health issues for years, Ernest Hemingway was formally diagnosed with schizophrenia, a condition that would impact his life and writing for many years to come. This diagnosis marked a turning point in Hemingway's personal struggles.

1942
  • Men at War

    Original: Men at war

1943
  • Martha left for Europe to report for Collier's.

1944
  • Hemingway visited Cuba and was bullying and abusive with Martha.

  • Hemingway arrived in London hospitalized with a concussion from a car accident.

  • Liberation of Paris, France - Allied forces led by General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French Forces entered Paris, marking a significant turning point in World War II. The liberation of Paris was a major victory for the Allies, as it brought an end to Germany's occupation of the city.

  • Travelled to Luxembourg despite illness to report on The Battle of the Bulge - Ernest Hemingway risked his health by traveling to Luxembourg to gather information and report on the ongoing Battle of the Bulge, a major German counterattack during World War II. This trip showcased Hemingway's dedication to his work and willingness to put himself in harm's way.

1945
  • The divorce between Hemingway and Martha was finalized later that year.

1946
  • Gertrude Stein died; married Mary Welsh - The death of Gertrude Stein, Hemingway's long-time friend and mentor, marked a significant loss for the writer. He quickly followed this with his marriage to Mary Welsh, whom he had met while reporting on World War II.

  • Mary had an ectopic pregnancy five months after marriage - Just five months after their marriage, Mary Welsh Hemingway suffered from an ectopic pregnancy, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. This incident highlighted the risks associated with her health and the challenges of her new role as a wife.

1947
  • Awarded Bronze Star for bravery - During World War II, Ernest Hemingway received the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery as an ambulance driver in Italy. This award recognized his service and sacrifice during the war, but it also highlighted the challenges he faced as a journalist reporting on the front lines.

  • Car accident left Patrick with a head wound, severely ill and delirious - A car accident left Ernest Hemingway (also known as Patrick) with severe injuries, including a head wound that put him in the hospital. This incident marked a low point in his life and highlighted the risks he took as a journalist.

  • Underwent electroconvulsive therapy - After suffering from mental health issues for years, Ernest Hemingway underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat his schizophrenia. This treatment was experimental at the time and had significant side effects, but it marked a new approach to treating his condition.

  • The Essential Hemingway

1948
  • Hemingway's attempt to work on a trilogy (

1950
  • Across the River and Into the Trees

    Original: Across the river and into the trees

1952
  • Ernest published his novel 'The Old Man and the Sea' (won Pulitzer Prize for Fiction),

  • The Old Man and the Sea

1953
  • The Hemingway Reader

    Original: The Hemingway reader

1954
  • Ernest was awarded Nobel Prize in Literature; seriously injured in two plane crashes in Africa,

  • Plane crashes occurred in the Belgian Congo, causing significant injuries to Hemingway's body including cracked discs, kidney rupture, liver rupture, and dislocated shoulder.

  • Despite suffering from injuries sustained in the plane crashes, Hemingway accompanied Patrick and his wife on a fishing expedition, showing remarkable resilience and determination.

  • Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature,

1955
  • Hemingway spent late 1954 and early 1955 bedridden with various illnesses, including liver disease and high blood pressure, which may have contributed to his physical decline.

  • Following his plane crashes, Hemingway experienced a spike in drinking, which was later discouraged by doctors advising him to stop consuming alcohol due to its negative impact on his health.

1956
  • In October 1956, Hemingway returned to Europe, visiting Pio Baroja, who later passed away a few weeks after their meeting. During this visit, he continued to struggle with health issues related to liver disease and high blood pressure.

1958
  • Old Man and the Sea

1959
  • Hemingway visited Spain to research bullfighting articles commissioned by Life magazine. He was tasked with writing a series of articles about the sport and its cultural significance in Spain. The trip allowed him to immerse himself in Spanish culture and gain inspiration for his writing.

  • Hemingway asked A.E. Hotchner to travel to Cuba to help him with his writing due to difficulties organizing his work. Hotchner's assistance proved invaluable as he helped Hemingway trim down the length of a commissioned article and secure a book deal.

  • The first installments of The Dangerous Summer were published in Life magazine, marking a significant milestone in Hemingway's writing career. The articles showcased his unique perspective on bullfighting and cemented his reputation as a leading writer on the subject.

1960
  • Hemingway went into a mental health crisis, feeling lonely and taking to his bed for days despite the success of his writing. This period of isolation was a challenging time for Hemingway, who struggled with depression and feelings of disconnection from the world around him.

  • Hemingway returned to New York, where he refused to leave Mary's apartment due to concerns about being watched. This decision reflected his growing paranoia and sense of vulnerability, which had become increasingly pronounced in the years leading up to this point.

  • Local physician George Saviers met Hemingway at the train station in Ketchum, Idaho, where he helped him recover from a mental health crisis. Saviers' timely intervention played a crucial role in helping Hemingway regain his footing and find stability in the years that followed.

  • Hemingway left Cuba for the last time on July 25th, marking a significant turning point in his life and career. This departure came after years of living in exile and navigating the complexities of Cuban politics, which had become increasingly hostile towards him.

  • The Dangerous Summer

    Original: The dangerous summer

  • The Collected Poems of Ernest Hemingway

    Original: El viejo y el mar (Sun Also Rises)