Ernest Hemingway is regarded as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century. However, aside from being famous for his influential books and short stories, he also garnered a lot of attention for his adventurous life and outspoken persona. The interesting facts below will show you why.
Hemingway Survived Two Plane Crashes in Two Days
While on vacation in Uganda, Hemingway and his wife, Mary Welsh, went on a sightseeing tour by plane. Unfortunately, their tour ended unceremoniously as the plane clipped a telegraph wire and crashed. The next day, Hemingway and Welsh boarded another plane to leave the country, but that plane also crashed shortly after takeoff. The couple survived again, although Hemingway suffered serious injuries.
Hemingway Was an Expert Fisherman
Hemingway’s classic novel The Old Man and the Sea is perhaps the most famous fictional book about fishing. But did you know that Hemingway himself was also an expert fisherman? He once even reeled in a 910-pound black marlin while fishing off the coast of Peru.
Hemingway Was Married Four Times
Hemingway married his first wife, Hadley Richardson, in 1921. The couple divorced in 1927, after which Hemingway got married three more times to Pauline’ Fife’ Pfeiffer, Martha Gellhorn, and Mary Welsh, respectively. Each of his wives had a book dedicated to her by Hemingway.
Hemingway Turned a Urinal From His Favorite Bar Into a Fountain
During the renovation of his favorite bar, Hemingway decided to take one of its discarded urinals to his home in Key West, Florida. He ended up turning it into a fountain.