Date of Birth: July 21, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: September 14, 1982
Biography
John Gardner was an influential American novelist, essayist, literary critic, and university professor. Born on July 21, 1933, in Batavia, New York, Gardner established himself as a distinctive voice in American literature with a career that spanned several decades. His works often explored themes of morality, existentialism, and the human condition, which resonated with both readers and critics alike. Gardner is perhaps best known for his novel “Grendel,” a retelling of the Beowulf myth from the monster’s perspective, published in 1971. This book showcased his talent for reimagining classical literature through a modern lens. Another notable work, “The Sunlight Dialogues” (1972), further cemented his reputation as a profound and innovative writer. In addition to his novels, Gardner was an accomplished literary critic. His book “On Moral Fiction” (1978), argued for the importance of morality in art and sparked considerable debate in the literary community. He also taught creative writing and literature at several universities, including Oberlin College, Bennington College, and the University of Southern Illinois, where he influenced a generation of writers. Gardner’s life was tragically cut short when he died in a motorcycle accident on September 14, 1982. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to literature continue to be celebrated and studied.
5 Interesting Facts about John Gardner
1. John Gardner’s novel “Grendel” was adapted into an animated movie in 1981.
2. Gardner won the National Book Critics Circle Award for his novel “October Light” in 1976.
3. He was known for his somewhat controversial book, “On Moral Fiction,” which criticized contemporary literature.
4. Gardner was a medievalist and often incorporated themes from medieval literature into his works.
5. He also wrote children’s books, including “Dragon, Dragon and Other Tales.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Gardner
1. “Art is essentially serious and beneficial, a game played against chaos and death, against entropy.”
2. “Fiction, like poetry, is the manufacture of a lie, but it’s a lie in the service of a deeper truth.”
3. “The best fiction explores the human condition honestly without pretense or agenda.”
4. “To write with moral clarity is to write with love for humanity.”
5. “True art is moral: it seeks to improve life, not debase it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John Gardner’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of his career.
Children
John Gardner had two children, Joel Gardner and Lucy Gardner, with his first wife, Joan Louise Patterson.
Relevant Links
2. [John Gardner’s Profile on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/106.John_Gardner
3. [Analysis of “Grendel” on SparkNotes](https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/grendel/