John Irving | Signed First Editions

About John Irving

John Irving is an acclaimed American novelist and screenwriter, celebrated for his richly woven narratives, eccentric characters, and exploration of fate, love, and loss. Born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, he developed an early love of literature, later studying at the University of New Hampshire and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he was mentored by Kurt Vonnegut.

Irving’s breakthrough came with The World According to Garp (1978), a darkly comic and profoundly humane novel that became both a bestseller and a film adaptation. His ability to balance tragedy with humour cemented his reputation as a major voice in contemporary fiction. Other notable works include The Hotel New Hampshire, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and The Cider House Rules, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2000.

Recurring themes in Irving’s novels include unconventional families, sexual identity, and the moral complexities of human behaviour, often set against vividly detailed backdrops and driven by moral urgency. His characters –wrestlers, writers, orphans, and dreamers – reflect his fascination with resilience and self-discovery.

Across his long career, Irving has remained fiercely independent, writing sprawling, emotionally charged novels that reward patient readers with depth and heart. His commitment to storytelling, craftsmanship, and empathy has earned him a lasting place among the great modern American authors.