Cornell Woolrich

Cornell Woolrich, also known by his pseudonyms William Irish and George Hopley, was a prominent American author and short story writer. He was born on December 4, 1903, in New York City and made his debut in 1926 with the release of his first book, "Cover Charge."

Woolrich had a turbulent upbringing, with his parents separating when he was young. He spent a short time in Mexico living with his father before returning to New York to live with his mother. He attended the University of Colombia but left without earning a degree in 1926, the same year that his first novel was published.

Woolrich is widely regarded as one of the best crime writers of the 20th century, known for his mastery of suspense fiction. His works, which often appeared serialized in pulp magazines or as paperback novels, include classics such as "Rear Window," "The Bride Wore Black," "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," "Waltz Into Darkness," and "I Married a Dead Man."

Despite his success as a writer, Woolrich's personal life was marked by hardship and isolation. He struggled with alcoholism, and his relationships were complicated. He was married for a brief period in the 1930s, but the marriage was annulled in 1933. He lived as a recluse in New York City, first in the Hotel Marseilles and later in the Hotel Franconia, until his death in 1968.

Upon his death, Woolrich left a bequest of one million dollars to Columbia University to fund a scholarship for young writers, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the next generation of literary talent.