Larry McMurtry was born on June 3rd, 1936 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He graduated from high school in nearby Archer City, which was later immortalized as the backdrop of the movie, The Last Picture Show based on his 1966 novel of the same name. After receiving his MA from Rice University in 1960, he moved to Washington, DC in 1969 to focus on writing. It is here where he opened what would become the first of three Booked Up, rare and used bookstores.

Beginning in 1961 with the release of Horseman, Pass By, Mr. McMurtry is the author of over 20 books, two collections of essays and over 30 screenplays, and many of his notable titles have been turned into movies. He now lives in Texas.