Julian Street

Julian Street was an American author and journalist born in Chicago, whose career spanned the early to mid-20th century. He began his journalism journey as a reporter for the New York Mail and Express in 1899, later overseeing its dramatic department. Street's literary contributions included numerous short stories and articles for various magazines, and he gained recognition for his narrative style and keen observations of American life. Notably, he won the O. Henry Award twice, with his short story "Mr. Bisbee's Princess" earning the accolade in 1925 and later being adapted into the silent film "So's Your Old Man" featuring W. C. Fields. In addition to his fiction, Street authored a biography of Theodore Roosevelt titled "The Most Interesting American" in 1915, showcasing his interest in prominent figures of his time. He also made a mark as an art critic, famously describing Marcel Duchamp's controversial painting "Nude Descending a Staircase" as resembling "an explosion in a shingle factory." His candid reporting on the red-light district in Cripple Creek led to local backlash, resulting in the renaming of Myers Avenue to Julian Street. Through his diverse body of work, Street left a lasting impact on American literature and journalism, capturing the complexities of his era with both humor and insight.