John Banville

William John Banville is an Irish novelist, short story writer, adapter of dramas, and screenwriter. He also had a 30-year career working in the Irish newspaper industry and served as literary editor of The Irish Times from 1988 until 1999. Born and raised in Wexford town in the southeast of Ireland, he published his first book, a collection of short stories titled Long Lankin, in 1970. His first novel, Nightspawn, appeared in 1971, followed by his second, Birchwood, two years later.