Frank McCourt

The Profile

Frank McCourt was an Irish-American author and longtime New York City schoolteacher best known for Angela’s Ashes, which won the Pulitzer Prize. He later wrote ’Tis and Teacher Man, extending his memoir of immigration, hardship, and teaching.

Known for Angela’s Ashes (Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, 1997); authored the memoirs ’Tis and Teacher Man; created the play The Irish... And How They Got That Way; taught in New York City public schools.

A single DeBaser review tackles McCourt’s Che paese, l'America with praise for his brisk, sardonic prose and eye for everyday absurdity. It contrasts Ireland and America, noting themes of racism, alcoholism, and integration. The writing entertains, but the reviewer finds the story thin and the final stretch sluggish. Overall, enjoyable voice over plot.