Stern, Philip Van Doren, 1900-1984

Philip Van Doren Stern (1900-1984) was a historian, social critic, editor and author, best known for the short story which became the source for the 1946 film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Philip Van Doren Stern (1900-1984) was a historian, social critic, editor and author, best known for the short story which became the source for the 1946 film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Philip Van Doren Stern was born in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, in 1900, grew up in Brooklyn, New York and New Jersey, and graduated from Rutgers University. He was an author of over forty books, an editor known for his books on the Civil War, and a historian. He also wrote a short story titled, "The Greatest Gift," which was made into the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." >From the guide to the Philip Van Doren Stern papers, 1935-1974, 1909-1974, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)