Ben Lerner
Ben Lerner is one of America's most acclaimed contemporary authors, earning accolades for his unique blend of fiction and theory. His works are often praised as both thought-provoking and accessible, with a focus on the complexities of modern life. He has published six books and has written extensively as a poet and essayist.
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Ben Lerner began writing at a young age. He first reunited with literature when he took a creative writing class in the seventh grade, and he was soon enticed to attend The University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he earned a degree in English and Literature. Afterward, he attended Brown University’s MFA Program in Nonfiction and Poetry, where he earned an MFA and subsequently, several Graduate Fellowships.
Ben Lerner released his debut novel, “Leaving the Atocha Station” in 2011 to rave reviews. The semi-autobiographical book follows a young American poet on a journey of self-discovery in Madrid. It has been hailed as “witty” and “profound” while exploring themes such as alienation, authenticity, authenticity, and the search for meaning and connection.
Lerner’s second novel, “10:04”, was published in 2014. This existential exploration of a young writer’s life in New York City is his longest book to date, and it deals with ideas of authorship, time, fate, and creativity. Through a variety of literary styles and narrative voices, Lerner highlights different perspectives on the human experience, ultimately reaching a sort of linguistic synthesis and closure.
In addition to his novels, Lerner has published several works of poetry and has written essays for a variety of publications. His work often explores issues of language, memory, history, and identity, particularly those pertaining to globalism and the post-9/11 world. Lerner’s writings can be seen as a means of navigating and expressing the complexities of modern life, both by making poignant observations and through a poetic, often humorous use of language.
Lerner is also well known for his unique methodologies in creative writing and his knack for blending theory and fiction. His 2006 poetry collection, “The Lichtenberg Figures”, was highly acclaimed for its pairing and synthesis of theoretical terminology with poetic imagery.
An accomplished professor, Ben Lerner is currently a professor of English at Brooklyn College. He has also taught at the University of Pittsburgh, Columbia University, and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Throughout his teaching career, Lerner won several awards, including the 2007 “Philip Roth Residence in Creative Writing,” and he was the 2005 recipient of the Whiting Writers’ Award, given by the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation.
Ben Lerner is an accomplished writer, professor and theorist who has crafted an impressive collection of works exploring issues of language, memory, identity, and globalism. From his critically-acclaimed debut novel to his award-winning poetry and essays, he has demonstrated a singular ability to explore the complexities of modern life. His accessible yet thought-provoking works have earned him a loyal following among readers, critics, and academics alike.