John Winslow Irving
- Born:
- March 2, 1942, Exeter, New Hampshire, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Screenwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born John Wallace Blunt, Jr.; later adopted his stepfather's name, Irving.
- Struggled with dyslexia as a child.
- Attended Phillips Exeter Academy, where his stepfather taught.
- Received a B.A. from the University of New Hampshire in 1965.
- Studied with Kurt Vonnegut at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, receiving an M.F.A. in 1967.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published his first novel, Setting Free the Bears, in 1968.
- Gained wider recognition with The World According to Garp (1978), which became a bestseller.
- Won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules (1999), adapting his own novel.
- Known for his recurring themes of wrestling, Vienna, and single mothers.
Notable Works
Novels
- Setting Free the Bears (1968)
- The Water-Method Man (1972)
- The 158-Pound Marriage (1974)
- The World According to Garp (1978)
- The Hotel New Hampshire (1981)
- The Cider House Rules (1985)
- A Prayer for Owen Meany (1989)
- Trying to Save Piggy Sneed (1993)
- A Widow for One Year (1998)
- The Fourth Hand (2001)
- Until I Find You (2005)
- Last Night in Twisted River (2009)
- In One Person (2012)
- Avenue of Mysteries (2015)
- The Last Chairlift (2022)
Screenplays
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Cider House Rules | Adapted from his novel; won Academy Award |
| 2004 | The Door in the Floor | Adapted from A Widow for One Year |
Legacy and Impact
John Irving is considered one of the most significant American novelists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His works, often characterized by their dark humor, social commentary, and memorable characters, have garnered both critical acclaim and widespread popularity. This 'john irving bio' highlights his lasting impact on contemporary literature and film.