Flann O’Brien

Date of Birth: October 5, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 1, 1966

Biography

Flann O’Brien, whose real name was Brian O’Nolan, was an influential Irish writer known for his satirical and avant-garde literary works. Born on October 5, 1911, in Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland, O’Brien is celebrated for his contributions to both Irish literature and postmodernist fiction. He wrote under several pseudonyms, including Myles na gCopaleen, and was a prominent columnist for The Irish Times. His most famous works include “At Swim-Two-Birds” and “The Third Policeman,” which are noted for their innovative narrative structures and dark humor. O’Brien’s writing often explored themes of identity, absurdity, and the fluidity of reality. Despite his literary acclaim, he spent much of his life working in the Irish civil service. He passed away on April 1, 1966, in Dublin, Ireland.

5 Interesting Facts about Flann O’Brien

1. Flann O’Brien wrote his first novel, “At Swim-Two-Birds,” while still a student at University College Dublin.

2. His real name, Brian O’Nolan, was often used for his civil service work, while Flann O’Brien and Myles na gCopaleen were his literary pseudonyms.

3. “The Third Policeman” was published posthumously in 1967, despite being written in 1940.

4. O’Brien’s column in The Irish Times, written under the name Myles na gCopaleen, became one of the most popular features in the newspaper’s history.

5. He is often regarded as one of the major figures in 20th-century Irish literature, alongside James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Flann O’Brien

1. “A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw, the less he spoke; The less he spoke, the more he heard; Why aren’t we all like that wise old bird?”

2. “Hell goes round and round. In shape it is circular and by nature it is interminable, repetitive and very nearly unbearable.”

3. “When things go wrong and will not come right, though you do the best you can, when life looks black as the hour of night—a pint of plain is your only man.”

4. “I declare to God if I hear that word ‘physics’ or ‘philosophy’ again, I’ll climb to the top of that mountain and take my own life.”

5. “It is a great thing to do what is necessary before it becomes essential and unavoidable.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Flann O’Brien never achieved significant financial success from his literary works during his lifetime. His highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, reflecting his earnings from both his civil service job and his writing.