Uris Leon - Leon Uris: life of a best seller

LEON URIS

Leon Uris in Copenhagen, in fr ont of an SAS sign as he transfers planes en route to Israel to research Exodus , April 1956.

Jewish History, Life, and Culture
Michael Neiditch, Series Editor

LIFE OF A BEST SELLER

IRA B. NADEL

The Jewish History, Life, and Culture Series is supported by the late Milton T. Smith and the Moshana Foundation, and the Tocker Foundation.

Additional support for this publication was provided by Sander and Lottie Shapiro.

Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, the University of Texas at Austin.

Copyright 2010 by the University of Texas Press
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
First edition, 2010

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The paper used in this book meets the minimum requirements of ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (R1997) (Permanence of Paper).

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Nadel, Ira Bruce.

Leon Uris : life of a best seller / Ira B. Nadel. 1st ed.
p. cm. (Jewish history, life, and culture)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-292-70935-5 (cloth : alk. paper)

1. Uris, Leon, 19242003. 2. Authors, American20th centuryBiography. 3. Jewish authorsUnited StatesBiography. I. Title.

PS3541.R46Z79 2010
813.54dc22
[B]

2010019951

FOR
Milton T. Smith (19112006)
AND
Mark Uris (19502007)

I feel that if I have any gift as a writer at all it is to communicate my inner thoughts to the average man. Not to elevate him or to educate him but to paralyze him with a story he cannot put down.
LEON URIS, 10 JULY 1957

Have to run. Just about to start my new novel and once again save mankind.
LEON URIS, 17 AUGUST 1981

THROUGHOUT THE COURSE of this project, many have shared with me their experiences of Leon Uris, from a Chilean doctor who read Exodus at thirteen to a woman who toured Ireland using Trinity as a guide. This narrative reverses the process, telling the story of Leon Uriss life in order to share it with his readers. Three people have been especially important in its writing: the first is the late Milton Smith, a Texas philanthropist and businessman who was instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of the Uris archive for the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Matching his enthusiasm for this account of Uris was his energetic and persistent encouragement. Only just before his death at ninety-five did he grudgingly admit that he did not have life by a long string, urging me not to waste time. The Moshana Foundation, which Smith founded with his wife Helen, has been, and continues to be, an active sponsor of cultural activities throughout Texas and beyond. Their support of this project is graciously acknowledged. Lonnie Taub, the current director of the Moshana Foundation and Milton Smiths daughter, has maintained her fathers passion for the subject.

Mark Uris, Leon Uriss eldest son, was also a remarkable resource and support. His candidness in sharing details about growing up with his father and the adventures of travel, research, and skiinga Uris passionwas highly valued. His generosity was constant and deeply appreciated. Marks memory of the familys dramatic departure from Israel in 1956 during the Suez crisis is a keynote in my recounting of Uriss eight-month stay in the country. Additionally, his research into sources, stories, and documents wonderfully augmented my own investigations. In a spirit of cooperation, he offered letters, photographs, and information. His death from cancer in 2007 was as unexpected as it was tragic.

Jill Uris is the third figure without whose help this book would not possess any of its detail or possible merit. Her early and welcoming response, plus repeated encouragement, was matched by her kindliness in answering queries, confirming dates, and offering the names of additional Uris friends and associates who could clarify the story. Her gathering of many of Uriss friends at the Maroon Creek Club during my visit to Aspen in June 2005 was a remarkable moment, and I am grateful. Meeting Marti and Ken Sterling, Walt Smith, and later Andy Hecht and Dr. Robert Oden was an important starting point for the narrative.

Others in Uriss family who helped include Essie Kofsky, Leon Uriss half sister. Her memories of Uris growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, and his steps to fame were vivid, as was her recollection of her mother and family life. Idalea Kofsky Rubin, Essies daughter and Leon Uriss niece, was also helpful in clarifying family connections. Additionally, Karen Uris, Leon Uriss oldest daughter, was an important source regarding family life, offering insights, especially about her mother, Betty, and photographs. Pat Uris, wife of the late Mark Uris, also provided useful details of the familys early years. Rachael and Conor Uris, the youngest children of Leon Uris, kindly offered comments and memories of life with their father in both Aspen and Shelter Island, New York.