William Bradford Huie ​

William Bradford Huie was an American journalist and novelist. Known for his investigative journalism and non-fiction works, Huie was also a successful author of fiction. His novel "The Americanization of Emily" was adapted to a film of the same name. He was a reporter for the Atlanta Constitution, a regular contributor to the American Mercury, and a founder of the magazine Today.

Quick Facts ​

• Authored over 20 novels, many of them controversial due to their blunt and unconventional treatment of subjects like race, sex, and power.
• Many of his works were adapted into successful movies, including The Americanization of Emily and The Klansman.
• Highly praised for his investigative journalism, particularly his probing of the Emmett Till murder case.
• Posthumously inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame.

Background ​

Huie was born in 1910 in Hartselle, Alabama, and went on to study at the University of Alabama. He started his career as a reporter for the Birmingham Post, but his growing interest in the social changes in the South inspired him to write novels. His first novel, "Mud on the Stars", was published in 1942, after which he served as a war correspondent during World War II. He wrote several books about the war, which propelled him into the national spotlight. After the war, Huie continued to write about the civil rights movement and other important social issues of the time. His best known works include "The Americanization of Emily", "The Execution of Private Slovik", and "Three Lives for Mississippi". Huie passed away in 1986.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Huie's work is characterized by a journalistic, fact-based style, and he is known for his investigative writing. His works often address social and racial issues, reflecting his own involvement in the civil rights movement. Huie's writings have been credited with bringing public attention to key historical events and individuals, and his influence on the understanding of some of the most pivotal moments in American history is notable.

Notable Works ​

• The Americanization of Emily (1959)
• The Execution of Private Slovik (1954)
• The Klansman (1967)
• He Slew the Dreamer: My Search, with James Earl Ray, for the Truth About the Murder of Martin Luther King (1970)