Albert Payson Terhune

Albert Payson Terhune: Author, Dog Breeder, Journalist

Albert Payson Terhune (December 21, 1872 – February 18, 1942) was an American writer who achieved fame for his novels centered around beloved collie dogs. Here's a breakdown of his life and accomplishments:

Early Life and Education:

• Born in Newark, New Jersey to Mary Virginia Hawes (a writer) and Reverend Edward Payson Terhune.
• Educated at Columbia University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1893.
• Traveled to Egypt and Syria after graduation.

Career:

• Journalism: Began his career as a journalist, working for the New York Evening World.
• Writing Career: Transitioned to fiction writing, with his first book, "Syria from the Saddle" (1896), not achieving mainstream success.
• Dog Breeder: Established Sunnybank Kennels, specializing in breeding Rough Collies. This passion for collies significantly influenced his writing career.
• Focus on Dog Stories: His novel "Lad: A Dog" (1919) featuring a brave and intelligent collie became a bestseller, launching a series and establishing him as a prominent voice in animal fiction.

Writing Style and Legacy:

• Emotional Connection: Terhune's novels are known for their sentimental and heartwarming portrayals of the bond between humans and dogs.
• Collie Advocacy: His work significantly contributed to the popularity of the Rough Collie breed in the United States.
• Legacy: While some aspects of his work, like the sentimentality or portrayal of animal intelligence, might be viewed differently today, Terhune's influence on animal fiction and appreciation for collies remains undeniable.

Controversies:

• Exaggerated Intelligence: Some critics argue that Terhune's portrayal of canine intelligence in his novels went beyond realistic capabilities.
• Training Methods: His dog training methods, though popular in his time, might not be considered humane by modern animal behavior standards.

Additional Information:

• Terhune wrote numerous books beyond dog stories, though they haven't achieved the same level of lasting recognition.
• Sunnybank Kennels, his collie breeding operation, continues to operate today.
• While the exact date of publication is unknown, his book "The Human Animal" likely explores the psychological complexities of animal behavior.

Further Research:

• You can delve deeper into Terhune's life and work by exploring biographies, literary critiques, or historical accounts of dog breeding practices in the early 20th century.