A short life of the author
Leon Uris (1924–2003) was born Leon Marcus Uris on 3 August 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. He dropped out of high school to join the Marines and fought at Guadalcanal and Tarawa.
Life and Career
Battle Cry (1953) — based on his wartime experience — was his first novel. Exodus (1958) — about the founding of the State of Israel, centered on the ship Exodus 1947 and the story of Ari Ben Canaan — was a massive international bestseller and was adapted into a 1960 film starring Paul Newman. It profoundly shaped American public opinion about Israel.
Mila 18 (1961) — about the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising — and QB VII (1970) — about a libel trial involving a Nazi war criminal — continue his engagement with Jewish history. Trinity (1976) — about three Irish families across generations of British rule — was another major bestseller.
Major Works and Themes
Uris wrote big, passionately researched popular novels about national liberation, resistance, and the struggle against oppression. His prose prioritizes sweep and emotional power over literary subtlety.
Key Works
- Exodus (1958)
- Trinity (1976)
Collecting Uris
Exodus first edition (Doubleday, 1958) in fine condition with dust jacket brings $100–$300. Trinity (Doubleday, 1976) brings $30–$80. Uris died in 2003.