Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin, author of the weekly column "Uncivil Liberties," has established a formidable reputation across various writing domains. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1963, contributing a diverse array of articles that have garnered widespread acclaim.

In his career, Trillin has honed a distinctive voice shaped by his Midwestern roots, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from Yale in 1957 and serving in the army, he started his journalism career at Time magazine, eventually writing from the New York bureau.

Trillin's "U.S. Journal" articles for The New Yorker, produced from 1967 to 1982, are celebrated examples of his reporting prowess. This series included in-depth stories from various U.S. locations, capturing the essence of American life with precision. Additionally, his columns for The Nation, starting in 1990, are compiled in books like "Uncivil Liberties" and "With All Disrespect," highlighting his adeptness at blending humor with critique.

Renowned for his food writing, Trillin's "The Tummy Trilogy," consisting of "American Fried," "Alice, Let's Eat," and "Third Helpings," explores America through its cuisine. These works have led critics to compare him to Walt Whitman in the culinary sphere. He also ventured into novel writing with titles like "Family Man," and his comedic touch extends to the one-man shows he performed at the American Place Theater in New York, which were met with critical success.

Apart from his prolific writing career, Trillin's contributions to literature and culture include his role as a trustee of the New York Public Library and his membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His narrative skill, informed by a keen observance of the societal landscape, continues to engage and entertain audiences across various platforms.