John Updike

Easton Press John Updike books

Self Consciousness - signed first edition - 1989

Rabbit Run - 1993
Rabbit Redux - 1993
Rabbit is Rich - 1993
Rabbit at Rest - 1993
Bech at Bay - signed first edition (numbered 1100 copies) - 1998
Rabbit Run - signed modern classic - 1998
Licks of Love  - signed first edition (numbered 1650 copies) - 2000
The Witches of Eastwick - signed limited edition - 2003

Franklin Library John Updike books

Marry Me - limited first edition (not signed by John Updike) - 1976
Rabbit Run - signed limited edition - 1977
Rabbit Redux - signed limited edition - 1981
Pigeon feathers and other stories - collected stories of the Worlds greatest writers - 1981
The Witches of Eastwick - signed first edition - 1984
Rabbit is Rich - Pulitzer prize classics - 1985
Roger's Version - signed first edition - 1986
Rabbit at Rest - signed first edition - 1990
Memories of the Ford Administration - signed first edition - 1992
Brazil - signed first edition - 1994
In the Beauty of the Lilies - signed first edition - 1996
Toward the end of Time - signed first edition - 1997
Gertrude and Claudius - signed first edition - 2000

 

 

Writer John Updike

John Updike, a towering figure in American literature, was born on March 18, 1932, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Throughout his prolific career as a novelist, short story writer, poet, and critic, Updike garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for his keen observations of American life, his exquisite prose style, and his exploration of complex themes such as love, faith, and identity. Updike's literary journey began during his formative years in Shillington, Pennsylvania, where he developed a love for reading and writing. He excelled academically and went on to attend Harvard University, where he served as editor of the Harvard Lampoon and graduated summa cum laude in 1954 with a degree in English. Following graduation, Updike embarked on a distinguished career as a writer, initially working as a staff writer for The New Yorker. It was during this time that he published his first short story in the magazine, marking the beginning of his enduring association with the publication.

In 1958, Updike published his debut novel, The Poorhouse Fair, which was followed by the critically acclaimed Rabbit, Run in 1960, introducing readers to one of his most iconic characters, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom. The Rabbit series, which comprises four novels, chronicled the life of its protagonist over several decades, offering a nuanced portrait of American society and culture. Throughout his career, Updike demonstrated a remarkable versatility as a writer, producing works in various genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and literary criticism. His prose was characterized by its lyrical beauty, keen attention to detail, and profound insights into the human condition. Among Updike's most celebrated works are the Rabbit series including Rabbit, Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit Is Rich, and Rabbit at Rest, as well as novels such as The Centaur, Couples, The Witches of Eastwick, and Toward the End of Time. He also published numerous collections of short stories, including Pigeon Feathers, Too Far to Go, and Trust Me. In addition to his fiction, Updike was a prolific poet, publishing numerous collections of verse that showcased his mastery of language and keen powers of observation. He was also a respected literary critic, writing essays and reviews that offered insightful analyses of the works of other authors.

Throughout his career, Updike received numerous accolades and awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction, for Rabbit Is Rich (1982) and Rabbit at Rest (1991). He was also a two-time winner of the National Book Award for Fiction, among many other honors. John Updike's contributions to American literature are immeasurable, and his influence continues to be felt among writers and readers alike. His richly textured portrayals of ordinary life and his exploration of universal themes have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, ensuring his place as one of the preeminent voices of his generation. Updike passed away on January 27, 2009, but his legacy lives on through his enduring body of work.