Her parents were Reinhold Toll, an agronomist who had published books on dairy and cattle farming, and Alma Prom-Möller.

Morris started her literary career with short stories published in the Atlantic Monthly, Harper's Bazaar and other publications.

The novel was partly influenced by the experiences of her son, Ivan Morris, later a distinguished Japanologist, as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy visiting Hiroshima immediately after the dropping of the atomic bomb on the city.

The Foundation presents awards to women and men who contribute, in a cultural field, to fostering dialogue, understanding and peace in conflict areas.

The following persons have received awards: English titles only The following published short writings are mentioned in the list of papers within the Morris Collection at Columbia University: