The author of the popular Mr. Moto spy stories, he is also known for his historical and satirical novels. He is particularly famous for his 1937 Pulitzer Prize-winning work, The Late George Apley.
He worked as a reporter for The Boston Evening Transcript.
The stifling nature of upper-class life is a common theme of Marquand's literary work.
He was born in Delaware, and he grew up in the suburbs of New York City. He married Adelaide Hooker in 1937.
He and Frank Deford both contributed to Sports Illustrated magazine.