John Fante
- Born:
- April 8, 1909, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Died:
- May 8, 1983, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Short Story Writer, Screenwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born to Italian immigrant parents.
- Attended Regis College and the University of Colorado but did not graduate.
- Moved to California in the 1930s to pursue a writing career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Initially struggled to achieve literary success.
- Gained recognition later in life, partly due to the advocacy of Charles Bukowski.
- Wrote extensively about the Italian-American experience and the struggles of aspiring writers.
- His semi-autobiographical character, Arturo Bandini, is a recurring figure in several novels.
Notable Works
- Wait Until Spring, Bandini (1938)
- Ask the Dust (1939)
- Dreams from Bunker Hill (1982) - dictated to his wife Joyce after he became blind.
- Full of Life (1952) - A comedic novel exploring the challenges and joys of marriage and family life. This novel showcased his versatility.
- Brotherhood of the Grape (1977)
Screenwriting Credits
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 | West of the Pecos | Screenwriter |
| 1952 | Full of Life | Based on his novel of the same name |
| 1956 | Walk Into Hell | Screenwriter |
Legacy and Impact
John Fante's work is celebrated for its raw and honest portrayal of human experience, particularly the struggles and aspirations of Italian-Americans and aspiring writers. His influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary authors. He is often regarded as a precursor to writers like Charles Bukowski. His novel, Ask the Dust, is considered a classic of American literature. Full of Life (the book) solidified his reputation as a writer capable of both pathos and humor.