Wrote in English · 1897–1975
Thornton Wilder
One book in the original English, with a translation beside it.
Thornton Wilder was an American playwright and novelist, born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1897, and died in Hamden, Connecticut, in 1975. He wrote in English and achieved remarkable success, winning three Pulitzer Prizes for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey and his plays Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. His career spanned decades, during which he also wrote screenplays and libretti, demonstrating his versatility as a writer. Wilder's work often explored universal human experiences, blending philosophical questions with everyday life. His background included time spent in China during his childhood and studies in Italy, which influenced his broad cultural perspective. He is remembered as a significant figure in American literature, known for his ability to capture the essence of ordinary existence. His novels and plays continue to be studied and performed worldwide, cementing his legacy as a master storyteller who connected with audiences through themes of community, mortality, and the human condition. His influence extends beyond literature, impacting theater and film as well.
Reading Thornton Wilder in translation
The reader already reads English, the language Thornton Wilder wrote in. On Paralelo they read The woman of Andros in the original with a German translation beside them, using the English they know as the anchor while they learn the other language. The text is aligned phrase by phrase. Wilder's writing is clear and accessible, often focusing on dialogue and character interaction rather than dense description. This makes the reading experience smooth and engaging, suitable for learners who want to build confidence. The vocabulary is standard, avoiding overly archaic terms, which helps maintain flow. The book is about 101 minutes long, a manageable length for a first read. It is the only title in our catalogue, making it the ideal starting point. The narrative style is straightforward, allowing readers to focus on understanding the German structure without being overwhelmed by complex syntax. This approach supports gradual language acquisition while enjoying a classic story.
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- Born
- 1897Madison
- Died
- 1975Hamden
- Wrote in
- English
- On Paralelo
- 1 title
- Shortest read
- 101 minThe woman of Andros
Where to start with Thornton Wilder
- 01
The woman of Andros
The Woman of Andros is a 1930 novel by Thornton Wilder. Inspired by Andria, a comedy by Terence, it was the third-best selling book in the United States in 1930. The novel is set on the fictional…
Read a passage free →EN · PASSAGESimo’s slightly cynical superiority over the rest of the world reposed on the fact that he had gone through life without ever having been surprised as unjust, untruthful, or ungenerous.
DESimos leicht zynische Überlegenheit gegenüber dem Rest der Welt beruhte auf der Tatsache, dass er durchs Leben gegangen war, ohne je als ungerecht, unehrlich oder unedel überrascht worden zu sein.
Reading Thornton Wilder in English
Which Thornton Wilder book should I read first?
The woman of Andros, the one Thornton Wilder title on Paralelo: about 101 minutes of reading.
Can I read Thornton Wilder in English with a translation beside it for free?
Yes. A passage from every title is free to read without an account, and a free account opens the whole book, with a translation aligned to the original phrase by phrase.
Are the books by Thornton Wilder in the public domain?
Yes. Thornton Wilder died in 1975, and the texts on Paralelo come from Project Gutenberg’s public-domain editions.