John Gardner
Born in 1933
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John Champlin Gardner Jr. was an American novelist and writing instructor born in Batavia, New York.
Raised in a literary household, Gardner's life and work were profoundly affected by the accidental death of his younger brother in 1945, for which he felt responsible.
This tragedy influenced much of his fiction and criticism.
Gardner became a controversial figure in American literature, known for his novel Grendel and his strong opinions on writing.
As a university professor, he taught creative writing and was renowned for his critical approach to fiction.
His book The Art of Fiction, though divisive, remains an influential text on writing craft.
