Bernard DeVoto

Bernard DeVoto is widely recognized for his historical writings on the American West, particularly his trilogy covering the expansion and exploration of the region. He also gained prominence as a literary critic and editor for Harper's Magazine.

Bernard DeVoto was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1948 for his book "Across the Wide Missouri." He also received the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1953 for "The Course of Empire."

Bernard DeVoto's major historical works on the American West form a chronological trilogy: "The Course of Empire" (1952) covers early exploration, followed by "Across the Wide Missouri" (1947) focusing on the fur trade, and concluding with "The Year of Decision: 1846" (1943) detailing a pivotal year in westward expansion.