“M” is for Molloy, Robert (1906-1977)

“M” is for Molloy, Robert (1906-1977). Novelist, editor, critic. Born in Charleston, at age twelve Molloy moved with his family to Philadelphia and then New York City. By 1936 he was working as a book reviewer and copy editor for the New York Sun and was later its literary editor. He wrote short stories that were published in national magazines and then a friend suggested he try novel writing. His first novel Pride’s Way (1945) is an engaging social comedy of a large Charleston Catholic family. In it Malloy summoned up the city of his youth, viewing his characters and his native city with affection, humor, and gentle irony. Two novels in the same vein followed: Pound Foolish (1950) and A Multitude of Sins (1953). Robert Molloy also wrote several works of non-fiction, including Charleston: A Gracious Heritage (1947).