If you are a fan of or aware of the novel Apostles of Light, a 1973 National Book Award nominated book, then I am sure you are aware of who Ellen Douglas was. Ellen Douglas was Apostles of Light‘s talented author, who unfortunately passed away this past Wednesday.
Even though many of us know her as Ellen Douglas, this was only her pen name. Her real identity was Josephine Ayres Haxton. The reason behind the Douglas name was to protect her family.
Douglas grew up in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and later attended the University of Mississippi. After graduation, Douglas published 12 following books comprising of short stories and essays. Some of her most well-known works include:
- A Family’s Affairs (1961)
- Black Cloud, White Cloud: Two Novellas and Two Stories (1963)
- Where The Dreams Cross (1968)
- The Rock Cried Out (1979)
- The Magic Carpet and Other Tales (1987)
On November 7th, 2012, Ellen Douglas passed away at the age of 91 after suffering a long-term illness. Various Twitter users mourn the loss of this great author:
Grieving this morning for the loss of my old friend Ellen Douglas, AKA Jo Haxton, a great writer who was… http://t.co/GAT6PnqZ
Deep condolences to Brooks Haxton, poet and son, on the death of his mother Ellen Douglas. Mississippi has lost another daughter.