John Fowles

Literary FictionHistorical FictionRomancePhilosophical Fiction

Biography

John Fowles was a renowned English novelist, playwright, and essayist, best known for his Cornish Trilogy series. Born on March 31, 1926, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Fowles studied at Bedford School and then went on to study at Oxford University, where he studied French language and literature. Fowles' literary career began with the publication of his first novel, "The Collector," in 1963, which was met with critical acclaim. However, it was his Cornish Trilogy, consisting of the novels "The Magus," "The French Lieutenant's Woman," and "Daniel Martin," that solidified Fowles' reputation as a master of postmodern literature. Throughout his career, Fowles was known for his innovative narrative structures, complex characters, and philosophical explorations of themes such as freedom, identity, and the nature of storytelling. His work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be studied and appreciated by readers and critics worldwide. John Fowles passed away on November 5, 2005, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to influence contemporary literature.

Standalone Novels

Individual novels by John Fowles not part of a series

  • A Maggot
  • A Short History of Lyme Regis
  • Daniel Martin
  • Ebony Tower
  • El Coleccionista
  • French Lieutenant Woman
  • French Lieutenant's Woman
  • French Lieutenants Woman
  • Magus
  • Mantissa
  • The Collector
  • The Ebony Tower
  • The French Lieutenant's Woman
  • The Magus
  • The aristos
  • The ebony tower
  • Wormholes: Essays and Occasional Writings

Classic Series

The series that started it all

  • The French Lieutenant's Woman
  • The Magus

Recent Series

Latest works by the author

  • The Collector

Reading Order

Complete reading order for John Fowles's books

1Standalone Novels
2Cornish Trilogy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornish Trilogy?

The Cornish Trilogy is a series of three novels written by John Fowles: The Magus, The French Lieutenant's Woman, and Daniel Martin.

When were the books in the Cornish Trilogy published?

The Magus was published in 1965, The French Lieutenant's Woman in 1969, and Daniel Martin in 1977.

What genre does John Fowles typically write in?

John Fowles is known for writing novels that often blur the lines between reality and fiction, with elements of psychological depth and philosophical themes.

Which book in the Cornish Trilogy is most well-known?

The French Lieutenant's Woman is perhaps the most well-known book in the Cornish Trilogy, and was adapted into a successful film in 1981.

Are there any recurring themes in John Fowles' works?

Themes of identity, rebellion against societal norms, and existentialism are common in John Fowles' novels, including those in the Cornish Trilogy.