Author Allan W. Eckert, famous for writing the stories that became the outdoor dramas Blue Jacket and Tecumseh!, died on Thursday morning.
The Jesse Stuart Foundation, which worked with Eckert on half of his books, confirmed that he died in his sleep at his home in Corona, Calif. The former Ohioan was 80.
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, Eckert attended the University of Dayton and Ohio State University.
Eckert, author of 40 published books, was nominated on seven occasions for the Pulitzer Prize in literature.
He was the recipient in 1985 of an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Bowling Green State University. Wright State University presented him with a second honorary degree, also in Humane Letters, in 1998.
He was a life member and former trustee of the Dayton Museum of Natural History.
During his career, Eckert also published more than 150 articles, essays and short stories, as well as screenplays for several movies. His works have been translated into 13 foreign languages.
At the time of his death, he was working on his latest book, The Infinite Dream, part of his The Winning America series. It should be released at the end of the summer.
Eckert also authored another book titled The Ultimate Treasure, which was slated to be released in 2012. At this time, officials at the Jesse Stuart Foundation said the new date of release has not been determined.
Eckert is survived by his wife, Joan.
I'm sure many people here have read The Frontiersman and gone to see Tecumsah. Definitely my favorite author and a loss to Ohio.
Author Allan W. Eckert, famous for writing the stories that became the outdoor dramas Blue Jacket and Tecumseh!, died on Thursday morning.
Outdoor drama in Central Ohio is great. sad to hear the man behind some of these long standing performances has passed away. Rest in Peace.
Tecumseh scared the shite out of me as a kid but I loved it! Sadly, I have never read The Frontiersman although this will soon change.