John Fowles

John Fowles is one of the best-known authors in contemporary English literature. He is renowned for his fiction, which draws on themes of existentialism and postmodernism, often drawing on his unique understanding of philosophy and psychology to create complex and intriguing tales.

Born in 1926 in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Fowles was surrounded by books and reading from an early age, leading to his love of, and eventual career in writing. After completing secondary school, he read French and German at Oxford University, eventually graduating with a first. At Oxford, Fowles met and shared his writing with Elizabeth Jane Howard, who prompted him to embark on a writing career, leading to his first published collection of short stories, The Calculator of Love, in 1953.

His first novel, The Collector, was published in 1963, quickly followed by the hugely successful The Magus in 1966 and The French Lieutenant’s Woman in 1969, and earned him an international following. All these works share a common theme of exploring the individual’s place and role in the world, within social and interpersonal contexts, delving into themes of romantic love and existential ennui.

Fowles’ later works continued to address issues and themes of the modern world, exploring the psychological undercurrents within contemporary and historical settings. These include The Ebony Tower (1974), Mantissa (1982) and A Maggot (1985). Fowles also wrote non-fiction works, such as Wormholes: Essays and Occasional Writings (1998). His last novel, The Man in the Picture, was published in 2004, just three years before his death in 2005.

Wrote of complex morality, psychology and philosophy, John Fowles’ works remain widely read and discussed today, and he is seen as one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. His works frequently ask questions of not just the characters, but of the reader as well, prompting deeper contemplation of the world and one’s place in it.

Fowles was also a world traveller, and his experiences of the Far East and Africa form a large part of his writing, particularly The Magus and The Limbo. His journey throughout the south of France and his fascination with Parisian culture can be seen in The French Lieutenant's Woman and Daniel Martin. His travels added true authenticity to his works, never shying away from the paradoxes and complexities of his characters or his settings.

A prolific writer, John Fowles brought a unique and compelling imagination to the world of contemporary literature. His work continues to inform the writing of contemporary authors, such as Jeffrey Eugenides, whose Pulitzer Prize winning novel Middlesex draws extensively on the themes of The Magus. Fowles’ mark is still felt, and his works will continue to influence and inspire authors for generations to come.