# John Updike

> American novelist, poet (1932–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q105756](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105756)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Updike)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-updike

## Summary

John Updike was born March 18, 1932, in Reading.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] He held United States citizenship.[15] He worked as a poet, writer, novelist, essayist, playwright, and art critic.[16][17][18][19][15][11][20][21] His movement was modernist literature.He was educated at Harvard University, Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Governor Mifflin Senior High School, and Harvard College. He was influenced by Karl Barth, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Franz Kafka, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Marcel Proust, James Joyce + 2 more.[22] His notable works include The Witches of Eastwick.He received awards including Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres‎, National Medal of Arts, National Humanities Medal, PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, St. Louis Literary Award, Helmerich Award + 2 more.[23][24][25] He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and PEN America.[26] He died January 27, 2009, in Danvers,[27][1][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][28][10][11][29][30][31] and was buried at Robeson Lutheran Church Cemetery.[32]

## Summary
John Updike was an American novelist and poet who lived from 1932 to 2009, renowned for his prolific output that captured the nuances of American middle-class life. He is best known for authoring the novel *The Witches of Eastwick* and for receiving numerous prestigious literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Arts. His work as a writer, poet, and essayist established him as a central figure in 20th-century American literature.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 18, 1932
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Attended Harvard College and Harvard University; also educated at institutions identified as Q13371, Q7761877, Q5589598, and Q49123.
- **Known for:** Authoring the novel *The Witches of Eastwick* and producing a vast body of literary work including novels, poetry, and essays.
- **Employer(s):** Affiliated with Harvard University and Harvard College; member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- **Field(s):** Literature, Poetry, Novel writing, Essay writing, Playwriting, Art criticism, Literary criticism, Science fiction writing, Children's writing, Journalism.

## Contributions
John Updike's literary career produced a diverse array of works and achievements that defined his era:
- **Novels:** Authored *The Witches of Eastwick*, a notable work of fiction.
- **Poetry:** Published collections of poetry, contributing to the genre of American verse.
- **Essays and Criticism:** Wrote extensively as an essayist, art critic, and literary critic, reviewing new literary books and evaluating art.
- **Playwriting:** Created theatrical works as a playwright.
- **Children's Literature:** Wrote literature targeted primarily at children.
- **Science Fiction:** Contributed to the genre of science fiction writing.
- **Journalism:** Worked as a journalist, collecting and distributing news and information.
- **Awards and Recognition:** Received the National Medal of Arts, the National Humanities Medal, the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the PEN/Malamud Award, the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service, the Rea Award for the Short Story, the Jefferson Lecture, the O. Henry Award, the Golden Rose Award, the Ambassador Book Award, the Bowdoin prize, an honorary doctorate from Harvard University, the William Dean Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the National Book Award.
- **Affiliations:** Served as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters (founded 1899) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (founded 1780). He was also associated with PEN America (founded 1922).

## FAQs
**What are John Updike's most famous works?**
John Updike is best known for his novel *The Witches of Eastwick*, which has been widely read and adapted. His body of work also includes significant contributions to poetry, short stories, and essays that explore American life.

**What awards did John Updike receive during his lifetime?**
Updike received a vast array of honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Medal of Arts, the National Humanities Medal, and the National Book Award. He was also a recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, the O. Henry Award, and the William Dean Howells Medal.

**Where did John Updike receive his education?**
He was educated at Harvard College and Harvard University, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies. His academic background at these prestigious institutions laid the foundation for his literary career.

**What genres did John Updike write in?**
Updike was a versatile writer who worked in numerous genres, including novels, poetry, essays, plays, and children's literature. He also wrote science fiction and served as an art and literary critic.

**Which organizations was John Updike a member of?**
He was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and PEN America. These affiliations highlighted his standing in the literary community.

## Why They Matter
John Updike matters because he was a defining voice in American literature, capturing the complexities of suburban life, religion, and sexuality with unparalleled detail. His ability to write across multiple genres—from poetry to science fiction—demonstrated a rare versatility that influenced the trajectory of 20th-century American letters. Without his contributions, the landscape of American fiction would lack the rich, observational depth found in works like *The Witches of Eastwick* and his extensive poetry collections. His receipt of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Arts underscores his role as a cultural pillar who shaped the literary canon. Furthermore, his work as a critic and essayist provided essential commentary on the arts, influencing how literature and art were perceived by the public and scholars alike. His legacy endures through the continued study of his novels and the numerous awards established in his honor.

## Notable For
- Authoring the novel *The Witches of Eastwick*.
- Winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
- Receiving the National Medal of Arts.
- Receiving the National Humanities Medal.
- Winning the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction.
- Winning the PEN/Malamud Award.
- Receiving the Rea Award for the Short Story.
- Winning the O. Henry Award.
- Receiving the William Dean Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Being a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.
- Winning the National Book Award.
- Receiving the Bowdoin prize.
- Being awarded an honorary doctor of Harvard University.
- Serving as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Serving as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- Being a member of PEN America.
- Writing in the genres of novel, poetry, essay, play, and children's literature.
- Working as an art critic and literary critic.
- Writing science fiction and journalism.
- Being influenced by a wide range of literary figures and thinkers.
- Having a work period spanning from 1959 until his death in 2009.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Updike was born on March 18, 1932, in the United States. He pursued his higher education at Harvard College and Harvard University, institutions that played a crucial role in his intellectual development. His academic journey also included time at other educational entities identified by the codes Q13371, Q7761877, Q5589598, and Q49123. This robust educational foundation equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in a wide array of literary disciplines.

### Literary Career and Genres
Updike's career was marked by an extraordinary breadth of output across multiple genres. He is primarily recognized as a novelist, with *The Witches of Eastwick* standing as a key work in his bibliography. Beyond fiction, he was a prolific poet, contributing significantly to American verse. His versatility extended to playwriting, where he created dramatic works, and children's writing, where he produced literature for younger audiences. He also ventured into science fiction, expanding the scope of his creative exploration. As a journalist, he collected and distributed news, while his roles as an art critic and literary critic allowed him to evaluate and review the cultural landscape of his time. His work period officially began in 1959 and continued until his death on January 27, 2009.

### Awards and Honors
The literary world recognized Updike's contributions with a multitude of prestigious awards. He was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, a testament to his excellence in novel writing. The National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medal were bestowed upon him in recognition of his cultural impact. He won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the PEN/Malamud Award, highlighting his mastery of the short story and novel forms. Other significant accolades included the Rea Award for the Short Story, the O. Henry Award, the Golden Rose Award, and the Ambassador Book Award. He also received the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service and the Jefferson Lecture. His academic and literary peers honored him with the William Dean Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Bowdoin prize. Additionally, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Book Award. Harvard University conferred upon him an honorary doctorate.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Updike was deeply embedded in the intellectual and literary communities of the United States. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an honor society founded in 1899. He also belonged to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a United States honorary society and policy research center established in 1780. His association with PEN America, an American association of writers founded in 1922, further cemented his status as a leading literary figure. These memberships provided platforms for him to engage with other writers and thinkers, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.

### Influences and Connections
Updike's work was shaped by a diverse array of influences, including various literary figures and thinkers represented by the codes Q107473, Q991, Q905, Q69339, Q7199, Q6882, Q79904, Q692, Q6512, Q170509, Q4985, Q38193, Q36591, Q336151, Q234819, Q315683, Q23434, Q15531308, Q154756, Q1285562, Q134180, and Q124527. These connections informed his unique perspective and style, allowing him to create works that resonated deeply with readers. His ability to synthesize these influences into a coherent and compelling voice was a hallmark of his career.

### Legacy and Recognition
John Updike's legacy is preserved through his extensive body of work and the numerous awards he received. His contributions to literature, poetry, and criticism continue to be studied and celebrated. The sitelink count of 91 indicates a significant presence in digital encyclopedias and databases, reflecting his enduring relevance. His name is associated with various identifiers in library and academic systems, ensuring that his work remains accessible to future generations. The various aliases and identifiers, such as "John Hoyer Updike," further attest to the comprehensive documentation of his life and career. His death on January 27, 2009, marked the end of a remarkable era in American literature, but his influence persists through his writings and the many writers he inspired.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/29/john-updikes-papers-go-to_n_743440.html)
2. [Source](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/4362638/John-Updike.html)
3. [Source](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012701656.html)
4. [Source](http://prezi.com/kunn-wsf5r-_/feminism-1960s/)
5. [Source](http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9906E3D81730F93BA15752C0A96F9C8B63)
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7. BnF authorities
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11. [Source](http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/28/2476487.htm?section=entertainment)
12. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs/find-a-castaway/occupation_group/writing/occupation/poetry)
13. [Source](http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/john-updike/january-30/)
14. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/books/28appr.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/K/Kakutani,%20Michiko)
15. The Fine Art Archive
16. [Source](http://bvcs.org/8pa6/no45.php)
17. [Source](http://www.new-classics.co.uk/html/books.html)
18. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/books/00/11/19/specials/updike.html)
19. [Source](http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/pafamous3.htm)
20. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33302628/john-updike)
21. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/rechercheconsultation/consultation/ir/pdfIR.action?irId=FRAN_IR_026438)
22. [Source](https://www.pulitzer.org/search/John%2520Updike)
23. [Fiction - The Pulitzer Prizes](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/219)
24. [Source](https://www.bookcritics.org/past-awards/1981/)
25. [Source](https://www.bookcritics.org/past-awards/1990/)
26. [Source](https://nepoetryclub.org/contests/golden-rose/)
27. [Source](https://www.harvard.edu/on-campus/commencement/honorary-degrees)
28. [Source](https://www.chipublib.org/chicago-public-library-foundation-awards/)
29. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/the-centaur/)
30. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/rabbit-is-rich/)
31. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/programs/dcal/#tab-2)
32. [Source](https://www.bookcritics.org/past-awards/1983/)
33. International Standard Name Identifier
34. Library of Congress Name Authority File
35. CiNii Research
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37. [PEN American Center Annual Report](https://pen.org/sites/default/files/PEN_Annual_Report_2008-2009.pdf)
38. [Source](http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms010250)
39. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/1516)
40. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/brg/184396)
41. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
42. SNAC
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49. [Source](http://ktar.com/?nid=50&sid=1033166)
50. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature