The Quiet Genius: 7 Fascinating Facts About Ben Shattuck, The Award-Winning Writer And Curator

Ben Shattuck is an acclaimed writer, artist, and curator who has quietly established himself as a significant voice in contemporary American literature and the art world. As of late 2025, Shattuck continues to captivate readers and critics alike, most notably following the success of his debut memoir, *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau*, which cemented his status as a profound literary talent.

This article provides an in-depth, updated look at the man behind the prose—a multi-hyphenate creative whose work is deeply rooted in the history and landscape of New England, offering a fresh perspective on his career, family life with actress Jenny Slate, and his latest endeavors in the literary and visual arts.

Ben Shattuck: A Snapshot Biography and Profile

Ben Shattuck is a celebrated American author, art curator, and painter known for his evocative writing style and deep connection to the natural world. His career spans several creative disciplines, showcasing a rare versatility that has earned him critical recognition.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Shattuck
• Year of Birth: 1984
• Age: 40–41 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Massachusetts, U.S.
• Occupation: Writer, Author, Art Curator, Painter
• Education:
  • Cornell University (B.A.)
  • University of Iowa (M.F.A., Iowa Writers' Workshop)
• Notable Works:
  • *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau* (Book, 2022)
  • *The History of Sound* (Screenplay, based on his short stories)
• Awards/Recognition:
  • PEN America Short Story Prize Recipient
  • *New Yorker* Best Book of 2022 (*Six Walks*)
  • *Wall Street Journal* Best Book of 2022 (*Six Walks*)
• Spouse: Jenny Slate (m. 2021)
• Child: Ida Shattuck (Daughter)
• Current Residence: Coastal Massachusetts

The Literary Triumph of Six Walks and Thoreau's Legacy

Shattuck's most significant and widely recognized work to date is the memoir *Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau*. Published in 2022, the book immediately garnered widespread critical acclaim, establishing Shattuck as a major new voice in nature writing and memoir.

The book is not merely a biography of the transcendentalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau, but a deeply personal, meditative journey. Shattuck recounts his own six walks through the landscapes of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, mirroring Thoreau's own expeditions.

This structure allows Shattuck to explore themes of grief, love, family history, and the simple act of walking as a form of spiritual and intellectual inquiry. The book's success—being named a Best Book of 2022 by both *The New Yorker* and *The Wall Street Journal*—underscores its fresh, contemporary relevance to Thoreau's timeless observations on nature and solitude.

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His prose, honed at the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop, is often described as lyrical and evocative, seamlessly blending literary history with contemporary memoir. The influence of classic American literature is evident, yet Shattuck’s voice remains distinct, personal, and deeply moving.

From PEN Winner to Screenwriter: Shattuck's Diverse Creative Pursuits

While *Six Walks* brought Shattuck mainstream literary attention, his creative output is surprisingly diverse, spanning short fiction, painting, and film. This versatility is a key characteristic of his professional identity.

The History of Sound: A Leap into Screenwriting

A notable recent development in Shattuck's career is his foray into filmmaking. He penned the screenplay for *The History of Sound*, a short film based on two of his own short stories. The project, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Green, stars actors Ben Whishaw and John Cho.

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This adaptation showcases Shattuck's ability to translate his literary themes and narrative sensibilities into a visual medium, further expanding his reach beyond the page. The film has been featured at major festivals, bringing his unique storytelling to a global audience.

The Curatorial and Visual Art World

Beyond writing, Ben Shattuck is an accomplished art curator and painter. He is a co-founder of the Dedee Shattuck Gallery in Westport, Massachusetts, where he has curated numerous exhibitions. This curatorial work demonstrates his deep engagement with the visual arts and his commitment to fostering the work of other artists.

His background as a painter also informs his writing, giving his descriptions of the natural world a vivid, almost painterly quality. This cross-pollination of disciplines—the writer as a visual artist—contributes significantly to the richness and texture of his literary work, particularly in his detailed observations of the New England coast where he resides.

Family Life and His High-Profile Marriage to Jenny Slate

A significant part of Ben Shattuck's public profile is his marriage to actress and comedian Jenny Slate. The couple's relationship, which began in 2019, has been a subject of public interest, though they maintain a private life on the coast of Massachusetts.

They married in a private ceremony in 2021 and share a daughter named Ida, who was born in 2021. The dynamic between the award-winning writer and the beloved comedian is often described as an "artistic power couple," each supporting the other's creative endeavors.

Shattuck's writing often touches on themes of family and domestic life, and his personal experiences—including the birth of his daughter and his relationship with Slate—have subtly found their way into his more recent work, adding layers of depth and emotional honesty. His book, *Six Walks*, for example, is noted for uncovering new insights about family as he follows Thoreau's footsteps.

Their life in Massachusetts, away from the constant spotlight of Hollywood, allows Shattuck to maintain the quiet, observational lifestyle that is so crucial to his writing process and his exploration of New England's history and landscape. This location is not just a residence; it is a central entity in his work, spanning over 300 years of family history in the area.

Shattuck’s Enduring Impact on Contemporary Literature

Ben Shattuck's career trajectory is a fascinating study in the modern literary landscape. He is a writer who successfully bridges the gap between classic literary tradition (as evidenced by his deep dive into Thoreau) and contemporary emotional memoir. His work is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of nature, grief, family, and art.

His accomplishments—from the PEN America Short Story Prize to the critical success of *Six Walks*—highlight his mastery across various forms of writing. As he continues to balance his roles as a writer, curator, and family man, the literary world eagerly anticipates his next project, whether it be a new book, a film, or a curated exhibition that reflects his unique, contemplative perspective on the world.