Percy Marks

Percy Marks was an American writer and college English instructor, renowned for his influential 1924 novel, The Plastic Age. Born in Covelo, California, he moved with his family to Ukiah, where he pursued his education, ultimately graduating from the University of California and earning a master's degree from Harvard. His experiences during World War I as a second lieutenant shaped his worldview and later informed his writing. Marks's debut novel, The Plastic Age, offered a provocative glimpse into college life, capturing the zeitgeist of the Roaring Twenties. The book became a bestseller and sparked controversy, even facing a ban in Boston due to its candid themes and portrayal of youth culture. This success prompted Marks to leave his teaching career to focus on writing full-time. Following The Plastic Age, Marks authored 19 additional works, primarily novels, exploring themes of modernity and societal change. The novel was adapted into film twice, first in 1925 and again in 1928, although both adaptations significantly altered the original plot. In the latter part of his career, Marks returned to academia, teaching English and literature at the University of Connecticut at Waterbury. His contributions to literature, particularly in capturing the complexities of early 20th-century American life, solidified his legacy as a significant figure in American fiction.