News Summary
Ann Head, an often-overlooked novelist from South Carolina, is celebrated through a new biography by her daughter, Nancy Thode. Titled ‘Ahead of Her Time,’ the biography highlights Head’s literary contributions and personal struggles, documenting her journey as a trailblazing female author. The biography reveals unpublished works and letters, and Head’s legacy inspires future generations through the establishment of the Ann Head Prize for Short Story Literature at Beaufort High School.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Ann Head, a significant yet often overlooked novelist from South Carolina, continues to be celebrated posthumously as her legacy is re-examined through a new biography titled “Ahead of Her Time: The Trailblazing Life and Literary Legacy of Ann Head.” Launched by her daughter Nancy Thode, the biography sheds light on the writer’s accomplishments and personal struggles while detailing her contributions to literature over a career marked by societal challenges.
Ann Head passed away in 1968 at the age of 52, under mysterious circumstances believed to be due to a stroke or cerebral aneurysm. Following her death, her family faced turmoil; her husband, Dr. Stan Morse, restricted their daughter Nancy from visiting her mother in the hospital, and no autopsy was conducted. For the past 57 years, this chapter in Head’s life has remained shrouded in uncertainty, prompting her daughters to refer to it as “the enduring unknown.”
The biography explores Head’s literary journey, featuring her four novels, including the young-adult classic “Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones” and the novel “Fair With Rain,” along with over 50 magazine stories. It tracks her development from a young woman battling personal fears and societal norms to becoming a successful author who garnered financial independence through her writing. The book also highlights her mentorship of notable authors like Pat Conroy, who was a high school student in Beaufort during his formative years as a writer.
Born Anne Wales Christensen in October 1915, Head hailed from a well-educated family in Beaufort, South Carolina, with roots in abolitionism and connections to Boston elites, giving her a rich cultural background. Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her literary voice and her perspectives on gender roles during a time when women faced significant societal expectations.
Throughout her career, Ann Head navigated various personal hardships, including divorce and mental health issues, which were particularly challenging for women in her era. Despite these struggles, Head thrived as a writer, using her typewriter to support herself and her daughter with the proceeds from her writing. Additionally, she mingled with prominent literary figures of her time, including E.B. White and Somerset Maugham, broadening her literary influence.
The release of the biography has also unearthed previously unpublished works and correspondence, including letters exchanged with Conroy, adding depth to Head’s creative narrative and connecting her legacy to future generations of writers. Furthermore, the Thode biography aims to capture the essence of Head as an unconventional figure in her community, known for her independent lifestyle as a divorced woman who enjoyed a drink and a smoke, all while crafting her stories.
The launch of the biography included several community events and discussions, which served to ignite interest in Head’s importance within the landscape of American literature. In recognition of her legacy, Head was posthumously inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors in May 2024, bolstering her status as a key literary figure in state history.
To honor her mother’s memory and legacy, Nancy Thode and the family established the Ann Head Prize for Short Story Literature at Beaufort High School in 2020, further emphasizing the lasting impact Head has had on the next generation of writers. The biography prompts readers to engage with Ann Head’s literary career and personal experiences against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal adversity, inviting a renewed appreciation of her trailblazing contributions to literature.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Ann Head Biography
- Post and Courier: Ann Head Biography
- Your Island News: Ahead of Her Time Book Launch
- Kepner Funeral Home: Anne Carver Obituary
- Your Island News: Ann Head Literary Prize
- Wikipedia: Ann Head
- Google Search: Ann Head
- Google Scholar: Ann Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ann Head
- Google News: Ann Head
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
