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Tony Hillerman

トニイ・ヒラーマン

Tonii Hiraaman

Aliases: Anthony Grove Hillerman / Tony Hillerman
Pen Names: Tony Hillerman（Pen name used on his debut novel (The Blessing Way) credited as 'Tony Hillerman'）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1925-05-27 （Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, United States）
Died
2008-10-26 （Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States） age 83
Nationality
United States
Languages
English

Career

Occupations
Author, Journalist, Educator
Active Years
1970-
Influenced By
Arthur Upfield

Awards

Edgar Award (Best Novel)
1974
Work: Dance Hall of the Dead
Organization: Mystery Writers of America
Result: 受賞
Edgar Award (Best First Novel)
1971
Work: The Blessing Way
Organization: Mystery Writers of America
Result: ノミネート
Edgar Award (Best Novel)
1972
Work: The Fly on the Wall
Organization: Mystery Writers of America
Result: ノミネート
Anthony Award (Best Novel)
1988
Work: Skinwalkers
Organization: Bouchercon
Result: 受賞
Macavity Award (Best Novel)
1989
Work: A Thief of Time
Organization: Mystery Readers International
Result: 受賞
Nero Wolfe Award
1991
Work: Coyote Waits
Organization: Nero Wolfe Awards committee
Result: 受賞
Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award
1991
Organization: Mystery Writers of America
Result: 受賞
Macavity Award (Biography/Nonfiction)
1992
Work: Talking Mysteries
Category: 評伝部門
Organization: Mystery Readers International
Result: 受賞
Swedish Academy of Crime Writers' Grand Master
1993
Organization: Swedish Crime Writers' Academy
Result: 受賞
Anthony Award (Anthology/Collection)
1995
Work: The Mysterious West
Organization: Bouchercon
Result: 受賞
Anthony Award (Criticism/Nonfiction)
2002
Work: Seldom Disappointed
Organization: Bouchercon
Result: 受賞
Agatha Award (Lifetime Achievement)
2002
Category: 生涯功労賞
Organization: Agatha Awards committee
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Blessing Way

1970 Mystery (Navajo series)

First appearance of Joe Leaphorn; the novel introduces the Navajo Police setting and blends Southwestern landscape and Navajo cultural elements into a mystery.

Southwestern landscapeNavajo cultureConflict between tradition and modernity
Translations
  • The Blessing Way (Japanese translation)

Dance Hall of the Dead

1973 Mystery (Navajo series)

Second novel featuring Leaphorn; blends Navajo ritual and culture with police investigation. Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel.

Ritual and murderCultural understandingDepiction of investigative process
Translations
  • Dance Hall of the Dead (Japanese translation)

Skinwalkers

1986 Mystery

A popular novel dealing with Navajo witchcraft traditions (skinwalkers) entwined with a criminal investigation.

Witchcraft (skinwalkers)Tradition and crimeOvercoming cultural misunderstanding
Adaptations
  • [Film] Skinwalkers (2002)

Bibliography

  • The Blessing Way
  • Dance Hall of the Dead
  • Skinwalkers
  • A Thief of Time
  • Coyote Waits
  • Seldom Disappointed

Adaptations

  • The Dark Wind (1991 film)
  • Skinwalkers (2002 film)
  • Coyote Waits (2003 film)
  • A Thief of Time (2004 TV film)

Translations of Works

  • The Blessing Way (Japanese translation)
  • Dance Hall of the Dead (Japanese translation)
  • Skinwalkers (Japanese translation)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Detailed descriptions of the Southwestern landscapeCareful, respectful depiction of Navajo rituals and customsCalm, tightly plotted detective storytelling
Recurring Motifs
Navajo traditions and ritualsExpansive deserts and canyon landscapesContrast between tradition and modern society

Health

  • Respiratory failure
    2008
    Died of respiratory failure in Albuquerque in 2008

Legacy

Tony Hillerman is celebrated for his meticulous portrayal of Navajo culture and the American Southwest in crime fiction. He received numerous awards in the mystery field, and Albuquerque hosts institutions named in his honor.

Museums

  • Tony Hillerman Library Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
  • Tony Hillerman Middle School Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Academic Societies

  • Mystery Writers of America (MWA)

Archives

  • University of New Mexico Libraries (Tony Hillerman Papers)

In Popular Culture

  • Several works adapted into films and TV movies

Trivia

  • Wrote nearly 50 books; the Navajo series consists of 18 novels.
  • Debut novel The Blessing Way was credited under the name 'Tony Hillerman'.
  • His works have been translated into eight languages.
  • There are a middle school and a library in Albuquerque named after him.