Anna Lee Waldo

Anna Lee Waldo, born in Great Falls, Montana, on February 16, 1925, is an American author recognized for her historical fiction. Her childhood experiences in Montana, collecting artifacts and hearing stories from Native American elders, sparked an early interest in Indigenous cultures. Despite this, she pursued a strong academic path in science, earning a master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Maryland. She also taught chemistry at both the University of Dayton and California Polytechnic State University before dedicating herself to writing.

Waldo's most celebrated work is the novel "Sacajawea," a lengthy book that required a decade of research and writing before its publication in 1978. Following this success, she authored the novel "Prairie" and later embarked on the "Druid Circle" series, which explores the journey of a Welsh prince to North America in the 12th century. Her literary contributions blend historical settings with narrative depth, often touching upon themes that resonate with a sense of deep time and cultural exploration.

Born Anna Lee Waldo on February 16, 1925, in Great Falls, Montana, she spent her formative years in Whitefish. Her fascination with Native American history and culture began in her youth, influenced by collecting spear points near Whitefish Lake and listening to tales from Blackfeet and Crow grandmothers. This early interest was paralleled by a significant aptitude for science. She graduated from Montana State University with a major in chemistry and later obtained a master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Maryland. It was at the University of Maryland that she met her husband, Willis H. Waldo, also a chemist. The couple raised five children.

Prior to her literary career, Anna Lee Waldo shared her scientific knowledge by teaching chemistry at the University of Dayton in Ohio and later at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Her debut novel, "Sacajawea," was a monumental undertaking, requiring ten years of dedicated research and writing. Published in 1978, this extensive work paved the way for her subsequent novels, including "Prairie," which chronicles the legend of Charles Burton Irwin and the Y6 ranch. She is also known for her "Druid Circle" series, a historical fiction series that imagines the adventures of a Welsh prince traveling to North America during the 12th century.