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William Faulkner (1897-1962)
Who?
American novelist, poet and short story titan from Mississippi, most recognised for charting the decline of the Southerrn states. His so-called stream of consciousness narrative – recreating a person's natural thought processes – was ahead of its time. He was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1949.
Must reads
Soldier's Pay (1926), Sartoris (1929), As I Lay Dying (1930), Sanctuary (1931), Light in August (1932), Absalom, Absalom! (1936), The Unvanquished (1938), The Wild Palms (1939), Intruder in the Dust (1948) and A Fable (1954).
Darkest hour
Being a coal heaver in 1929 and working nights at a power station.
Greatest triumph
The Sound and the Fury (1929), his picture of the ailing south as seen through the eyes of several characters, including a 33-year-old idiot called Benjy Compson.
Essential quotes
'I could just remember how my father used to say that the reason for living was to get ready to stay dead a long time.' (Addie in As I Lay Dying)
'A nickel has a woman on one side and a buffalo on the other; two faces and no back.' (Darl in As I Lay Dying)
'Yes, he thought, between grief and nothing I will take grief.' (The Wild Palms)
Gossip: His original name was Falkner. He had a half-hearted education and numerous odd jobs, before becoming a novelist.
Did u know?
His own family history became material for his books.
What to say
Faulkner displayed technical brilliance as well as a doleful, lyrical style.
Don't say
Why are his stories so depressing?
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