By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer
![[photo]](wright_C4.0.jpg)
Dr. Wright
|
Austin M. Wright - professor emeritus of English at the University of Cincinnati, novelist and storytelling authority - died April 23 at Maple Knoll Village in Springdale following a short illness. The Clifton resident was 80.
Dr. Wright taught at UC's McMicken College of Arts and Sciences for 23 years before his retirement in 1993.
He was the recipient of the Mrs. AB "Dolly" Cohen Award for excellence in teaching in 1967 and the George Rieveschl Jr. Award for excellence in scholarly or creative work in 1974.
He was also named the Charles Phelps Taft professor of English language and literature by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Wright published seven novels. His first was Camden's Eyes in 1969. It was a critical success, garnering the admiration of fellow writers, said his wife, Sara Hull Wright.
His most popular novel was Tony and Susan (1993), an innovative story within-a story, in which the protagonist sends a copy of his novel to his ex-wife. The reader gets to read the novel as well as the story of the author's life.
Dr. Wright's most recent book was Disciples, an exploration of religious fanaticism, published in 1997.
Born in Yonkers, N.Y., in 1922, Dr. Wright grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., and graduated from Harvard University in 1943 with a degree in geology.
He spent three years with the Army (1943-46), which included a year in China. After his return, he studied English and American literature at the University of Chicago, where he received a master's degree in 1948 and a Ph.D. in 1959.
In addition to his novels, Dr. Wright published several scholarly works, including Formal Principle in the Novel, in 1982.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joanna, in 2000.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, survivors include two other daughters, Katharine Wright of State College, Pa., and Margaret Wright of Philadelphia; a sister, Mary Toynbee of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia; and two granddaughters.
A memorial service will be 3-5 p.m. May 7 at the University of Cincinnati Faculty Club.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.
E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com
SPECIAL REPORT: CINCINNATI SCHOOLS
Erratic budgets let schools deteriorate
School built in 1876 near the end of its life
Tiny gym leaves team always the visitors
Old electrical systems stretched to capacity
Cramped quarters, crowded buildings
Wanted: a little grass, more room to play
Parents worry about lead paint in schools
History of inconsistency
IN THE TRISTATE
Police want out of race accord
Agreement's yield: Contention
Settlements at a glance
Indian Hill to pool its power buys and save $
Drop gun suit, city advised
Morgue photos letter revealed
Football Classic lacking stadium
Bank One releases condo liens
Obituary: Austin M. Wright, 80, writer, teacher
Tristate A.M. Report
ENQUIRER COLUMNISTS
SMITH AMOS: A second chance
BRONSON: FOP quits
KORTE: City Hall
HOWARD: Some Good News
BUTLER, WARREN, CLERMONT
Health costs jump for Warren inmates
Time ripe for ammonia theft
Going Bananas
Levy would maintain buildings
Fernald to hold last tour for public
County seeks to preserve rare bridge
OHIO
Ohio executes inmate 18 years after slaying
Ohio Moments
KENTUCKY
Gays win expanded rights coverage
Eatery reopens after slaying
Bob Woodward, 2 politicos to lecture at NKU this fall
Candidates endorse choice of care type covered by Medicaid
Slain Chicago police officer remembered
Police: Ex-boyfriend shot to death high school senior, self
Moonlite Bar matriarch dead at 83
Kentucky obituaries
Nunn wants to 'move on'
Police: 3 men shot to death, dumped in Kentucky River
