John Fowles

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Recommended: Narrative Voice in the French Lieutenants by J Fowles

John Fowles

It's A Boy! Robert and Gladys Richards Fowles give birth to a baby boy on March 31, 1926, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex County, England. The proud parents have high hopes for their son and send him to two prestigious schools, Alleyn Court School (1934-1939) and Bedford School (1939-1944), where he excels in scholarship and sports. After his primary education is complete, the family moves from London to the Devon countryside, to avoid the invasion of troops in World War II.

After serving two years in the Royal Marines (I 945 -1947), John Robert Fowles studied literature at Oxford University, graduating in 1950. He greatly admired Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, both existentialist writers. After graduation Fowles taught at a number of institutions, including Anargyrios College (1951-1953) where he met and married his wife, Elizabeth Whitton. Here, he wrote poetry and several novels, though he did not submit any for publication at this time. Fowles continued to teach in London until his writing enabled him to concentrate on a career as a writer.

His first published novel in 1963, The Collector, was an immediate best seller. The critical acclaim and commercial success of the novel finally allowed Fowles to write full time. A collection of art and philosophical thoughts called The Aristos appeared in 1964. His most enduring work, The Magus, has become something of a popular cult novel in the United States. It involves the traditional quest narrative with elaborate twists and dilemmas resembling a detective story. In the 1970's Fowles began a line of projects, from a series of essays to a collection of poetry called Poems. Besides writing his own poems, short stories, screenplays, and novels, Fowles has translated Fr...

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... resembles Victorian society while also showing the reader the similarities to the present day. His attempts to demonstrate the double standards of all societies continue to be seen throughout his other works. The dualistic recurring theme penetrates the minds of the readers and keeps them coming back to Fowles' work. The French Lieutenant's Woman, because of its modem day comparisons and success with the public, is now a motion picture starring Meryl Streep in the title role.

Fowles' accomplishments in writing continue to gain him critical acclaim and popularity with readers. He continues to write today with his latest work, Wormholes, published in May, 1998. Certainly, Fowles' success in his writing career has made his parents proud and confident of his success in the future.

Work Cited

Fowles, John. The French Lieutenant's Woman. Signet: New York, 1969.

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