William Cobb
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Brief Biography
William Cobb was born in Eutaw, Alabama, and raised in Demopolis, Alabama. After completing his undergraduate studies at Livingston State College (now the University of West Alabama), he earned a master’s degree in English at Vanderbilt University and accepted a teaching position at Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo). In 1964, the publication of his award-winning short story, "The Stone Soldier," earned him recognition in the literary community. Cobb continued writing and published several novels, a collection of short stories, and several plays, some of which were produced in New York City. Throughout his career, he received accolades such as a fellowship for creative writing from the National Endowment for the Arts and held the esteemed position of writer-in-residence at the University of Montevallo. He continued writing after retirement until his death in 2020.
Publications
Coming of Age at the Y. Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Portals Press, 1984.
The Hermit King. Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Portals Press, 1986.
A Walk Through Fire. New York; Morrow, 1992.
Harry Reunited. Montgomery; Black Belt Press, 1995.
Somewhere in All This Green. Montgomery; Black Belt Press, 1997.
A Spring of Souls. Birmingham; Crane Hill, 1999.
Wings of Morning. Birmingham; Crane Hill, 2001.
The Last Queen of the Gypsies. Montgomery; NewSouth Books, 2010.
A Time to Reap. Chichester, England; SixFinger, 2013.
Sweet Home: Stories of Alabama. Chichester, England; SixFinger, 2013.
Captain Billy's Troopers: A Writer's Life. Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Press, 2015.
The Hermit King. Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Portals Press, 1986.
A Walk Through Fire. New York; Morrow, 1992.
Harry Reunited. Montgomery; Black Belt Press, 1995.
Somewhere in All This Green. Montgomery; Black Belt Press, 1997.
A Spring of Souls. Birmingham; Crane Hill, 1999.
Wings of Morning. Birmingham; Crane Hill, 2001.
The Last Queen of the Gypsies. Montgomery; NewSouth Books, 2010.
A Time to Reap. Chichester, England; SixFinger, 2013.
Sweet Home: Stories of Alabama. Chichester, England; SixFinger, 2013.
Captain Billy's Troopers: A Writer's Life. Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Press, 2015.
Themes
William Cobb wrote short stories, novels, and plays frequently set in the South. Many of his works feature a dark humor consistent with the Southern Gothic genre. Themes in his works include racial tension and human dignity.
Publisher
Alabama Authors of the 19th and 20th Centuries, edited by Beverley Park Rilett, http://AlabamaAuthors.org
Collection
Citation
Cobb, William, “William Cobb,” Alabama Authors of the 19th & 20th Centuries, accessed September 19, 2024, https://alabamaauthors.org/items/show/559.