File:John_Banville_(2019)_III.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
John Banville
Sign in to saveAlso known as Benjamin Black, William John Banville
Irish writer (born 1945)
Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1945
- Works
- 274
Top works
- A Collection of four hundred and fifty primary and secondary works by and about John Banville
- Best European Fiction 2013
- ha-Muḳtseh
- La señora Osmond
- Quirke en San Sebastián
via Open Library + Wikidata
Film & TV
Writing
Known for
- Anjelica Huston on James Joyce: A Shout in the Street — Self - Writer2017
via TMDB
Listeners · Last.fm
- Listeners
- 63
- Total plays
- 405
<a href="https://www.last.fm/music/John+Banville">Read more on Last.fm</a>
Recent publications · Crossref
5 total works indexed
- Generalized Gradient Approximation Made Simple
· 1996 · cited 204,297x
- Highly accurate protein structure prediction with AlphaFold
· 2021 · cited 43,497x
- Gene Ontology: tool for the unification of biology
· 2000 · cited 36,878x
- Matplotlib: A 2D Graphics Environment
· 2007 · cited 35,530x
- The MOS 36-ltem Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)
· 1992 · cited 29,118x
via Crossref · CC0
Quotes
- “The past beats inside me like a second heart.”
- “Ian McEwan is a very good writer; the first half of Atonement alone would ensure him a lasting place in English letters.”
- “Saramago is … interesting, but I don't think I would put it higher than that … [he] ventures too far into the realm of 'magic realism' for my taste. Reality itself is magical enough without inventing whimsicalities.”
- “If they give me the bloody prize, why can't they say nice things about me?”
- “The white May blossom swooned slowly into the open mouth of the grave.”
- “I would have failed, of course, but failure is the condition of the artist's life. What kind of failure would I have enjoyed, suffered? I know it was not all waste. My hopeless daubings taught me to look at the world with a painter's eye, despite the poor connection between eye and hand. And the smells of turpentine and linseed oil and paint-soaked rags still make my blood tingle. But words were my calling, and called to me, and I let fall the brush.”
via Wikiquote · CC BY-SA
Key facts
- Born
- ( 1945-12-08 ) 8 December 1945 (age 80) , Wexford , Ireland
- Pen name
- Benjamin Black, B. W. Black
- Occupation
- Novelist, Screenwriter
- Language
- English ( Hiberno-English )
- Alma mater
- St Peter's College, Wexford
- Subjects
- Acting , mathematics , mythology , painting , science
- Years active
- 1970s—present
- Notable works
- Doctor Copernicus , Kepler , The Newton Letter , The Book of Evidence , Ghosts , Athena , The Untouchable , Eclipse , Shroud , The Sea , The Infinities , Ancient Light
- Notable awards
- James Tait Black Memorial Prize , 1976 , Booker Prize , 2005 , Franz Kafka Prize , 2011 , Austrian State Prize for European Literature , 2013 , Prince of Asturias Award for Literature , 2014 , Ordine della Stella d'Italia , 2017
- Spouse
- Janet Dunham ( married</span>"}]]}'>m. 1969 ; died 2021 )
- Partner
- Patricia Quinn
via Wikipedia infobox
Official website
John Banville - A Literary Odyssey
Official website of John Banville, acclaimed Irish author known for his masterfully crafted novels. Discover information about his works, biography, latest news, and events. Dive into literary creations that explore the complexities of human nature and life.
john-banville.com →Welcome to the world of John Banville—a space where words breathe life and imagination takes flight. Here, we celebrate the alchemy of storytelling, the art of discovery, and the unyielding pursuit of beauty in every detail. Our journey begins in the shadows of thought, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and every story whispers secrets to those who dare to listen. Inspired by the masterful prose of John Banville himself, this is a haven for dreamers, readers, and wanderers—a place where literature and life entwine. We are custodians of curiosity, lovers of the written word, and champions of a life well-lived. Guided by the philosophy that stories have the power to reshape the soul, we offer a curated collection of ideas, insights, and inspirations to stir your senses. From the profound to the playful, we delve into literature, culture, travel, and everything in between. At John Banville, we honor the delicate balance between intellect and emotion, crafting narratives that linger long after the final line. Whether you seek the solace of a good book or the thrill of an uncharted path, we are here to guide you. Our stories come to life through the unique voices of our talented authors, each bringing their own passion and perspective to the world of words. Ada’s love for books began in childhood, where she discovered the magic and comfort within their pages. Today, she explores a variety of genres, uncovering hidden gems and sharing her insights with readers. To Ada, books are more than stories—they are companions that bring joy, learning, and inspiration. From gripping thrillers to heartfelt romances and thought-provoking non-fiction, Ada treasures every moment spent with a good book. Her hope is to connect with fellow book lovers and help others find their next unforgettable read. Matias is as enigmatic as the stories he weaves. Known for his knack for gripping plot twists, he writes with an air of mystery—rumored to favor quill and candlelight as his tools of choice. When not crafting tales that leave readers on edge, Matias spends time debating grammar nuances with his cat, proving that even the smallest details hold significance. His creativity and wit infuse every story, making his works a delight for readers seeking thrilling narratives.
Read more on their site →Excerpt from the official site · 4,915 chars · not written by Vinony
~28 min read
Encyclopedic overview
William John Banville (born 8 December 1945) is an Irish novelist, adapter of dramas, and screenwriter. A former member of Aosdána, he voluntarily relinquished the financial stipend in 2001 to another, more impoverished, writer.
Banville has been publishing books since 1970, when a short story collection appeared, with his first novels emerging soon after. His "Revolutions Trilogy", published between 1976 and 1982, comprises works named after renowned scientists: Doctor Copernicus, Kepler and The Newton Letter. His next work, Mefisto, had a mathematical theme, and, in combination with the three books from the "Revolutions Trilogy," is the fourth book from the "Scientific Tetralogy." Banville's 1989 novel The Book of Evidence began the "Frames Trilogy," dealing with the work of art; it was completed by Ghosts and Athena during the 1990s. This early fiction was the subject of numerous academic studies in the late 20th-century, including Rüdiger Imhof's John Banville: A Critical Introduction (1989), Joseph McMinn's John Banville: A Critical Study (1991) and The Supreme Fictions of John Banville (1999).
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “John Banville” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.