Norman Maclean

Norman Maclean (1902-1990) is the author of "Young Men and Fire" as well as the bestselling novel "A River Runs Through It."

Maclean was born in Iowa to a Scottish Presbyterian reverend that controlled Maclean's education for more than a decade. At the age of 7, the family relocated to Missoula, Montana. It was about this time that Maclean had his first experience with fire when the family was rescued while camping on an island.

At age 15, Maclean joined the U.S. Forest Service because he was too young to serve in World War I.

After graduating from high school, Maclean attended Dartmouth in New Hampshire. Maclean stayed in New Hampshire to teach at Dartmouth until 1928 before heading west. The author went on to the University of Chicago for graduate work and eventually became the Dean of Students.

"Young Men and Fire" was almost an obsession for Maclean...