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Angela's Ashes Author McCourt Dead at 78

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2009 6:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Frank McCourt, the former schoolteacher who gained literary stardom by recounting his unhappy childhood in Angela's Ashes, died today in New York of skin cancer, the New York Times reports. He was 78. The Brooklyn-born author grew up in Limerick and taught in New York public schools for 30 years before writing Ashes, which dazzled critics with its simple account of poverty—and sparked anger in Ireland, where McCourt was "denounced from hill, pulpit and barstool," he said.

McCourt's second memoir, 'Tis, received less euphoric reviews, but McCourt rallied with Teacher Man, an inquiry into education. As a teacher, McCourt liked students to write their own tests, sing Irish songs for inspiration, and pen poetry based on late notes. “I think there’s something about the Irish experience—that we had to have a sense of humor or die," McCourt said. Married twice, he is survived by his first wife and their daughter, the AP reports.

In this Jan. 29, 1997 file photo, Frank McCourt, retired teacher and author of the best selling book Angela's Ashes, sits during an interview in his New York apartment.
In this Jan. 29, 1997 file photo, Frank McCourt, retired teacher and author of the best selling book "Angela's Ashes," sits during an interview in his New York apartment.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
In this Oct. 18, 2005 file photo, author Frank McCourt gestures during an interview at his apartment in New York.
In this Oct. 18, 2005 file photo, author Frank McCourt gestures during an interview at his apartment in New York.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
In this Oct 29, 2007 file photo, author Frank McCourt arrives at The Kite Runner post screening dinner party in New York.
In this Oct 29, 2007 file photo, author Frank McCourt arrives at "The Kite Runner" post screening dinner party in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
ghhugh
Jul 20, 2009 9:30 AM CDT
Over the Century's many talented Irish Artists have washed on to our shores. McCourt , was one. God Bless, Frank...safe journey.
drlarrymitchell
Jul 20, 2009 7:14 AM CDT
"Angela's Ashes" was depressing. Bunch of broke-ass potato-eating motherfuckers.
Are_you--Nobody--Too
Jul 20, 2009 5:29 AM CDT
The passing of Frank McCourt is sad news. Bless him.

 
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