Phil Stong facts for kids

Philip Duffield Stong (born January 27, 1899, died April 26, 1957) was an American writer. He wrote books, worked as a journalist, and created movie scripts in Hollywood. He is most famous for his 1932 book, State Fair. This popular story was made into a movie three times (1933, 1945, and 1962). It also became a Broadway musical in 1996.

Philip Stong's Life Story

Stong was born in Pittsburg, Iowa. This small town is close to Keosauqua. His father owned the local general store. The brick house where Stong was born is next to the store. Today, it is a private home. Stong later went to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

How Stong Became a Writer

Philip Stong became very successful in 1932. This was when his famous book, State Fair, was published. This book later inspired a hit musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Besides his novels, Stong also wrote many short stories. These stories appeared in popular magazines of his time. He also wrote several screenplays for movies.

Stong once joked about how he became a writer. He said, "Fell while trying to clamber out of a low bathtub at the age of two. Became a writer. No other possible career."

Stong's View on Books and Science Fiction

In 1941, Stong put together a large collection of stories. It was called The Other Worlds. This book later had a longer title: 25 Modern Stories of Mystery and Imagination. Some people, like writer Robert Silverberg, thought it was the first book to collect science fiction stories. It included tales from "pulp magazines" of the 1930s. These magazines were known for their exciting stories. Stong called some of these stories "Scientifiction." The book also had horror and fantasy stories.

Fun Facts About Philip Stong

The famous writer James Thurber once wrote about meeting Stong's dog. Thurber found out the dog's name was "Thurber"! Stong was a bit embarrassed. As a joke, James Thurber suggested that readers name their own dogs "Stong."

Philip Stong wrote more than forty books during his life. He passed away at his home in Washington, Connecticut, on April 26, 1957. He is buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Keosauqua, Iowa.

Philip Stong's Books

During World War II, State Fair and Marta of Muscovy were printed as special Armed Services Editions. These small, cheap books were given to soldiers serving overseas.