William Saroyan

Franklin Library William Saroyan books

Sons Come and Go, Mothers Hang in Forever - Limited First Edition Society - 1976

 

William Saroyan biography

William Saroyan (1908-1981) was an American author, and playwright who was born in Fresno California. His parents were Armenian immigrants who had fled the turmoil of their homeland, instilling in Saroyan a deep sense of cultural heritage that would later permeate his literary works. Following his father's death when he was only three years old he and his siblings were placed in an orphanage for five years. Although they were later reunited with their mother, this experience had a lasting effect on William Saroyan and his writing. Growing up in Fresno, Saroyan experienced the struggles of immigrant life firsthand. Despite facing poverty and hardship, he found solace in literature, immersing himself in the works of renowned authors such as Mark Twain and William Shakespeare. It was this early exposure to the power of words that sparked Saroyan's own literary ambitions.

Early in his writing career, he wrote short stories that were published in magazines. Most Notable is Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze, published in 1934, which appeared in Story Magazine. This collection garnered immediate acclaim for its vivid portrayal of everyday life and its exploration of universal themes such as love, family, and the human condition. Throughout his prolific career, Saroyan continued to produce an impressive body of work, including novels, plays, and essays. One of his most famous works, the play The Time of Your Life, earned him both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award in 1940. Set in a San Francisco bar, the play captures the essence of American life during the Great Depression and remains a timeless classic in American theater.

Following service in World War Two, he lived in Paris, and struggled with alcohol, gambling, and financial trouble for many years. Over his life time William Saroyan wrote many novels, and screen plays. He was offered, but refused to accept a Pulitzer Prize for his play The Time of Your Life in 1940. Many critics have described his books as having a childlike curious quality. Saroyan's writing was characterized by its simple yet profound style, often infused with a sense of optimism and hopefulness. His keen observation of human nature and his ability to find beauty in the mundane endeared him to readers around the world.

Despite his literary success, Saroyan's personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and struggles with alcoholism. Nevertheless, he remained dedicated to his craft, writing until his death on May 18, 1981, in Fresno, California. William Saroyan's legacy continues to endure, his works celebrated for their warmth, humanity, and unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. Through his words, he invites readers to embrace life's joys and sorrows with open arms, reminding us all of the beauty that lies in the ordinary moments of existence.