Robert Elegant facts for kids

Robert Sampson Elegant (born March 7, 1928 – died June 20, 2023) was a writer and journalist from America and Britain. He spent many years working in Asia as a journalist. Because of this, most of his books are set in Asian countries. He reported on big events like the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He also covered several smaller conflicts. His novel, Cry Peace, is about the Korean War.

Robert Elegant's Life and Work

Robert Elegant went to several top universities. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Yale University. He earned degrees in subjects like journalism and Far Eastern studies. He also learned to speak and write Chinese very well.

Awards and Recognition

Robert Elegant won many awards for his work. He received a special award called the Edgar Allan Poe Special Award in 1967. This was for his mystery novel, A Kind of Treason. It was one of the best new mystery thrillers that year.

He also won four prizes from the Overseas Press Club of America. These awards were for his excellent reporting on international news. He was even considered for the Pulitzer Prize three times. This is a very important award for journalists.

Teaching and Research

Robert Elegant was also a visiting professor at some universities. He taught at the University of South Carolina and Boston University. He was also a fellow at important research centers. These included the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University.

Working with Leaders

Robert Elegant was an expert on Asia. He often gave advice to important leaders. He briefed Richard Nixon, who was the U.S. President, and Henry Kissinger, a top diplomat. He advised them on topics like China and Vietnam. President Nixon even sent him a handwritten note. It said, "Dear Robert, You are my favorite China expert. Richard Nixon." This note showed how much Nixon valued his knowledge. Nixon was famous for reopening contact with mainland China.

Hobbies and Interests

Beyond his work, Robert Elegant had interesting hobbies. He loved dogs, especially a type called shih-tzu. These are also known as Chinese lion dogs. He was a patron of a shih-tzu society in Great Britain. He also loved sailing. For 50 years, he owned and sailed small boats.

Travel and Languages

Robert Elegant lived in London and Italy later in his life. He traveled often, especially to the Far East. He was very good with languages. He could speak, read, and write Chinese and Japanese. He studied both old and modern versions of these languages. He also knew German, Italian, and some Indonesian.

His articles were printed in many newspapers around the world. His books were published in 20 different countries and in many languages.

Robert Elegant's Family Life

On April 16, 1956, Robert Elegant married Moira Clarissa Brady in India. She was a painter. Sadly, she passed away in 1999. Later, in 2003, he married Ursula Rosemary Righter in Italy. She was also a writer and editor.

Robert Elegant had two children. His daughter, Victoria Ann, became a doctor. His son, Simon David Brady, followed in his footsteps and became a journalist and writer.

Robert Elegant passed away at his home in London on June 20, 2023. He was 95 years old.