Dorothy West

Dorothy West (June 2, 1907 – August 16, 1998) was a novelist and short story writer during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. She is best known for her novel The Living Is Easy, as well as many other short stories and essays, about the life of an upper-class black family.

Early years

West was born in Boston on June 2, 1907, to Isaac Christopher West, who was formerly enslaved and later became a successful businessman, and Rachel Pegues Benson, one of 22 children. West reportedly wrote her first story at the age of seven. Her first short story, "Promise and Fulfillment", was published in the Boston Post when she was 14 years old, and she won several local writing competitions. West attended Girls' Latin school, now called Boston Latin Academy, graduating at 16, and went on to Boston University and the Columbia University School of Journalism.

In 1926, she tied for second place in a writing contest sponsored by Opportunity, a journal published by the National Urban League, with her short story "The Typewriter". The person West tied with was future novelist Zora Neale Hurston.

Dorothy West (actress)

Dorothy West (August 29, 1891 – December 11, 1980) was an American actress. She appeared in 123 films between 1908 and 1916.

Selected filmography

External links

Dorothy West (disambiguation)

Dorothy West was an American novelist and short story writer.

Dorothy West may also refer to: