John Updike
John Updike was an American writer known for his Rabbit series.
Novelist
March 18, 1932
Pisces
January 27, 2009
76
Reading, Pennsylvania
John Updike, a renowned American novelist, poet, and short story writer, is considered one of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century. He is best known for his Rabbit series, which chronicles the post-World War II life of Harry ‘Rabbit’ Angstrom through novels such as Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux; Rabbit Is Rich; Rabbit At Rest; and Rabbit Remembered. Updike’s other notable works include Couples, The Witches of Eastwick, Bech: A Book, The Centaur, and his collection of short stories, The Same Door. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including two Pulitzer Prizes and the National Book Award, and published over 20 novels and multiple collections of essays and poetry.
Besides his literary accomplishments, Updike was also a skilled athlete in high school and college, excelling in basketball, baseball, and track. He received a full scholarship offer to Harvard University but opted to attend Haverford College, where he continued to excel in basketball and earned an English degree. Despite his passion for sports, Updike grappled with a lifelong fear of physical harm, which influenced his writing.
Updike’s works, particularly the Rabbit series, are celebrated for their careful craftsmanship and realistic portrayal of “American, Protestant, small-town, middle-class” life. His contributions to literature have earned him critical acclaim, high ratings from readers, and a lasting legacy as one of the most influential American writers of his era.
