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John Updike (b1932)
Who?
US novelist, critic, poet and children's writer, most famous for his tetralogy – four related works – featuring the character called Rabbit.
Must reads
The Poorhouse Fair (1959), the Rabbit series (1960-1990), The Centaur (1963), Couples (1968), The Coup (1978), The Witches of Eastwick (1984), Roger's Version (1986), Electric Light (2001) and Licks of Love (2001).
Darkest hour
In 1966 the New York Times identified him as the only author to come out in favour of America's Vietnam intervention.
Greatest triumph
Leaving the New Yorker in 1957 to write novels.
Essential quotes
'The difficulty with humorists is that they will mix what they believe with what they don't; whichever seems likelier to win an effect.' (Rabbit, Run)
'Sex is like money; only too much is enough.' (Couples)
'School is where you go between when your parents can't take you and industry can't take you.' (The Centaur)
Gossip
His huge output of writing astounds editors and readers, in sharp contrast to his contemporary writer JD Salinger, who has written little since the sixties.
Did u know?
He has been known to interview himself as his alter ego, the Jewish Nobel Prize-winning author Henry Bech.
What to say
From sex and marriage to religion and materialism, middle class American life is poignantly revealed by his urbane, witty writing.
Don't say
What's up doc? His books breed like … That's enough (ed).
Copies of the featured books can be purchased from various suppliers including Amazon, Blackwell's and WHSmith.
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