Talk:Cornell Woolrich

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Krinsky

It may be of interest to point out that Krinsky (note 1) almost certainly took his information about Woolrich's purported homosexuality from Francis Nevins's biography of Woolrich (Nevins's is the only major biography of Woolrich and the supposition is made there). As I remember, Nevins had his story from the sister of Woolrich's ex-wife. The letters and journal concerned in the story were never produced. It was said that the journal was sent back to Woolrich. The letters were supposed destroyed.

If there is better information than this, I would be interested in hearing it. In the absence, could we consider altering (given some form of online citation) the note to reflect Nevins's work rather than Krinsky's? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hodgson (talk • contribs) 06:17, 6 March 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I did a bit of a factual fix there (the source didn't claim he did leave a diary but that it was "likely", which seems rather speculative to actually mention). I do think that the original source should be used and the info should be more clear. DreamGuy (talk) 00:07, 4 July 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Homosexuality

The article states, "In his youth, Woolrich was a promiscuous homosexual ..." If Woolrich was indeed a homosexual, it is unlikely that he was only gay during his youth. Wouldn't it be more accurate to say, "Woolrich, a homosexual, was promiscuous in his youth." Or words to that effect? Idesofmontreal (talk) 23:04, 25 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know, somehow "promiscuous in his youth" -- though technically accurate, I suppose -- gives a false picture of Woolrich as someone who had relationships. If we accept Nevins's account (is there any other?), Woolrich trolled docks and bars in a sailor suit, then either gave up sex entirely or did something even more anonymous and furtive after moving in with his mother for the great bulk of his life. His sex life (or the guilt, fear, self-disgust, and longing for the unattainable that was associated with it in his mind) is indeed relevant to his fiction, but unless you get into that (citing Nevins all the way) there isn't much point in mentioning his sexuality at all; and no point in a euphemism like "promiscuous in his youth." Mandrakos (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 10:03, 12 June 2010 (UTC).[reply]

The broad interpretation of Woolrich as gay seems to be based on Nevins's biography. The closest thing that Nevins has to evidence is hearsay testimony from Woolrich's former sister in law that he left behind a diary of his sexual encounters with men, a diary that has never turned up. There really isn't much to go on one way or another.Bjones (talk) 22:32, 16 August 2017 (UTC)[reply]

I have no argument with this. Although the Nevins version has always seemed a good psychological fit with the works, and what is known of Woolrich's life, the fact remains that there isn't much in the way of verifiable fact to back it up. (There wouldn't be, usually, considering the era and subject matter, so speculation is natural, but the lack remains.) The article should certainly not dwell overmuch on something that can't be established. Mandrakos (talk) 08:14, 22 October 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Out Of Print?

Article currently says: "Most of Woolrich's books are out of print, and new editions have not come out because of estate issues." There's no citation of sources. A look at Amazon suggests that a lot of the books are in fact available in recent editions, though perhaps not "most." I suspect that there's some truth to our current version, but I would welcome details. Mandrakos (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 10:10, 12 June 2010 (UTC).[reply]

Jazz Age Novels

Added info that there were 6 of Woolrich's Jazz Age novels influenced by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Reference: http://www.betweenthecovers.com/btc/item/295680/ - added January 11, 2012

Name

What is the source on his last name being the hyphenated "Hopley-Woolrich"? There's no source given, and the Time article (which is a strong source of information) gives his name as Cornell George Hopley Woolrich and states specifically that Hopley is one of his middle names. As well, it would seem that all the official birth records and census records on Ancestry.com list his last name as Woolrich, not Hopley-Woolrich. 70.54.30.101 (talk) 17:57, 13 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Name change

Nevins' biography says (Chapter 22) that Woolrich legally changed his name to William Irish, in New York City, effective Christmas Day 1961. William Irish was a pseudonym he'd been using for years prior to this. We ought to mention this. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 10:53, 27 December 2021 (UTC)[reply]