James Grover Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio. His father depended upon political appointments for employment. His mother was a strong and talented descendent of a well-known Ohio family.

Losing an eye in a childhood accident influenced his entire life and led to nearly total blindness in the 1940s. Thurber was a successful student in public schools, and after a difficult beginning, did well at Ohio State University, although he did not complete a degree. At the university, he met Elliot Nugent, who encouraged Thurber's writing and participation in student theatrical productions and with whom he later collaborated. During this period, Thurber became familiar with the works of several of his favorite authors, most notably Joseph Conrad, Henry James, and Willa Cather.

Thurber left the university in 1918 to contribute to the war effort, working as a code clerk at the American Embassy...