Russell Hoban

Date of Birth: February 4, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: December 13, 2011

Biography

Russell Conwell Hoban was an American expatriate writer, known for his imaginative and eclectic body of work that spans across children’s literature, fantasy, and science fiction. Born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Hoban showed an early interest in the arts and began his career as an illustrator and advertising copywriter. He gained significant recognition with his children’s books, particularly the “Frances” series, which are beloved classics. His novel “Riddley Walker” is often cited as his magnum opus, blending post-apocalyptic fiction with deep philosophical questions. Hoban’s work is characterized by its linguistic inventiveness, emotional depth, and a keen sense of the surreal. After moving to London in 1969, he continued to write prolifically until his death, leaving behind a legacy of thought-provoking and highly original literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Russell Hoban

1. Russell Hoban served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Italy.

2. His novel “Riddley Walker” is written in a distinctive post-apocalyptic English dialect, which has been widely praised for its creativity.

3. Hoban’s “Frances” series, illustrated by his first wife Lillian Hoban, remains popular in children’s literature.

4. He moved to London in 1969 and spent the rest of his life there, stating that he found it to be a more inspiring environment for his work.

5. Hoban was also an accomplished illustrator and began his career creating illustrations for advertisements and children’s books.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Russell Hoban

1. “Sometimes I think the whole world is one big prison yard. Some of us are prisoners, the rest of us are guards.”

2. “Language is an archaeological vehicle… the language we speak is a whole palimpsest of human effort and history.”

3. “When you suffer an attack of nerves you’re being attacked by the nervous system. What chance has a man got against a system?”

4. “Nothing to be done really about animals. Anything you do looks foolish. The answer isn’t in us. It’s almost as if we’re put here on earth to show how silly they aren’t.”

5. “In the beginning, there was chaos. Then it got worse.”