Date of Birth: August 17, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: May 15, 1998
Biography
John C. Hawkes, born John Clendennin Burne Hawkes, Jr., was an American novelist known for his innovative and often surreal narrative techniques. Born on August 17, 1925, in Stamford, Connecticut, Hawkes grew up in a family that moved frequently due to his father’s job as a banker. He attended Harvard University, where he first developed an interest in literature and writing. After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he returned to Harvard, completing his degree in 1949. Hawkes’s first novel, “The Cannibal” (1949), set the tone for his career, showcasing his unique style and dark, often grotesque subject matter. Over the years, he published numerous works, including “The Lime Twig” (1961), “Second Skin” (1964), and “Travesty” (1976). His work often defied conventional storytelling, focusing instead on the power of language and the subconscious. Hawkes taught English and creative writing at Brown University for many years, influencing a new generation of writers. He passed away on May 15, 1998, in Providence, Rhode Island, leaving behind a legacy of challenging and thought-provoking literature.
5 Interesting Facts about John C. Hawkes
1. John C. Hawkes served in the Army Air Forces during World War II.
2. His first novel, “The Cannibal,” was published when he was just 24 years old.
3. Hawkes was heavily influenced by European literature, particularly the works of Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett.
4. He was a professor at Brown University for over 30 years.
5. Hawkes received several prestigious awards, including the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction in 1994.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John C. Hawkes
1. “I began to write fiction on the assumption that the true enemies of the novel were plot, character, setting, and theme.”
2. “I think the kind of fiction I write is best described as a conversation with the unconscious.”
3. “My novels are an attempt to explore the perverse, the erotic, and the violent in human nature.”
4. “I have always tried to write novels that will deeply disturb and move the reader.”
5. “I believe that the novel should be a form of art, not just a way to tell a story.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John C. Hawkes’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a respected author and professor, he enjoyed a comfortable and influential career.
Children
John C. Hawkes had two children: a son named Richard Hawkes and a daughter named Sophie Hawkes.
Relevant Links
3. [Lannan Literary Award – John Hawkes](https://lannan.org/literary/detail/john-hawkes
