Day, Clarence (1874-1935), was an American writer. He became known chiefly for two books of humorous sketches about his family, Life with Father (1935) and Life with Mother (published in 1937, after his death). These books were made into Life with Father (1939), one of the most popular plays in American theater history. The books also inspired “Life with Father,” a popular TV comedy series during the early 1950’s.
In Life with Father and Life with Mother, Day describes the battle of wits between his stern but ineffective father and his slyly rebellious family. Day tells how his mother’s illogical reasoning and cunning triumphed over his father in domestic matters. The works also provide an entertaining picture of upper-class life in New York City during the late 1800’s. Day also wrote essays, stories, and reviews. Day’s cartoonlike drawings added humor to his books.
Clarence Shepard Day, Jr., was born on Nov. 18, 1874, in New York City and died there on Dec. 28, 1935.
