Lawrence Edward Watkin was at first an English professor at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. His first novel "On Borrowed Time", published in 1937, remains his best known work. It won the National Book Award as Bookseller Discovery of 1937, voted by members of the American Booksellers Association."Booksellers Give Prize to 'Citadel': Cronin's Work About Doctors Their Favorite--'Mme. Curie' Gets Non-Fiction Award ...", "The New York Times", March 2, 1938, page 14. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851-2007).</ref>