In 1991, Hillerman received the MWA's Grand Master Award. The second book in the series, Dance Hall of the Dead (1973), won a 1974 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Novel. Leaphorn was introduced in Hillerman's first novel, The Blessing Way (1970). The protagonists are Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo tribal police. His mystery novels are set in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Arizona, sometimes reaching into Colorado and Utah and beyond, sometimes to Washington, DC, Los Angeles and other areas. His works in nonfiction and in fiction reflect his appreciation of the natural wonders of the American Southwest and his appreciation of its people, particularly the Navajo. Hillerman's writing is noted for the cultural details he provides about his subjects: Hopi, Zuni, European-American, federal agents, and especially Navajo Tribal Police. Hillerman books have been translated into eight languages, among them Danish and Japanese. He was also awarded the Parris Award (named in honor of Parris Afton Bonds) by Southwest Writer's Workshop for his outstanding service to other writers. His literary honors were awarded for his Navajo books. He wrote more than 30 books total, among them a memoir and books about the Southwest, its beauty and its history. Hillerman wrote 18 books in his Navajo series. Hillerman, a consistently bestselling author, was ranked as New Mexico's 22nd wealthiest man in 1996. He lived there with his wife until his death in 2008. He taught journalism from 1966 to 1987 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and also began writing novels. He earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.įrom 1948–1962, he worked as a journalist, then earned a master's degree. 4.5 About Hillerman, non-fiction, by othersĪnthony Grove Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, and was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, having served as a mortarman in the 103rd Infantry Division.

4.4 Other books by Hillerman (memoirs, non-fiction, anthologies).3 Common themes of Leaphorn and Chee books.

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