# Thomas Keneally > Australian novelist **Wikidata**: [Q298334](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298334) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Keneally) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-keneally ## Summary Thomas Keneally is an Australian novelist and author best known for his acclaimed novel *Schindler's List*, which was later adapted into the 1993 Academy Award-winning film by Steven Spielberg. He is one of Australia's most celebrated literary figures, with a writing career that began in 1964. His work spans both fiction and non-fiction, and he has been recognized with major awards including the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the Booker Prize. ## Biography - Born: [Not specified in provided data] - Nationality: Australia - Education: [Not specified in provided data] - Known for: Writing novels, particularly *Schindler's List*, and being a prominent figure in Australian literature - Employer(s): [Not specified in provided data] - Field(s): literature, writing, playwriting ## Contributions Thomas Keneally has made significant contributions to literature through his authorship of numerous novels, plays, and non-fiction works. His most famous work, *Schindler's List*, brought global attention to the story of Oskar Schindler and the Holocaust, later adapted into a major motion picture. Keneally's writing career spans over 60 years, beginning in 1964, and includes works such as *The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith*, *The Playmaker*, and *An Absurd Man*. He has also written non-fiction, including biographical and historical works like *The Great Shame* and *Searching for Schindler*. His works have earned him international recognition, including the Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin Literary Award. ## FAQs **What is Thomas Keneally known for?** Thomas Keneally is best known for writing *Schindler's List*, which was adapted into a major film by Steven Spielberg and earned him international acclaim. He is also recognized as one of Australia's most important contemporary authors, with a career spanning over five decades. **What awards has Thomas Keneally won?** He is a recipient of both the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the Booker Prize, among other honors, including being named an Australian National Living Treasure. **What are some of Thomas Keneally's notable works?** Some of his most notable works include *The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith*, *Gould's Book of Fish*, and *Schindler's List*. He has also written several non-fiction works, including *The Great Shame* and *Searching for Schindler*. **What is Thomas Keneally's profession?** He is primarily a novelist and writer, but he has also worked as a playwright and has been involved in both fiction and non-fiction writing. **What organizations is Thomas Keneally associated with?** Keneally is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. **What makes Thomas Keneally notable in Australian literature?** Keneally is notable for his long-standing contribution to Australian literature, with works that have been widely read and adapted, including *Schindler's List*, which was adapted into a major film. He is also recognized as an Australian National Living Treasure. ## Why They Matter Thomas Keneally's work has had a significant impact on both literature and historical storytelling. His novel *Schindler's List* not only brought the story of Oskar Schindler to global attention but also influenced how historical narratives are told in fiction and film. His writing has been recognized with major literary awards, including the Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin Award. His works have been adapted into film and translated into multiple languages, making him a key figure in both Australian literature and international historical fiction. ## Notable For - Writing *Schindler's List*, which was adapted into a major film - Winning the Booker Prize for *Schindler's List* in 1982 - Receiving the Miles Franklin Literary Award multiple times - Being named an Australian National Living Treasure - Being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences - Writing across genres, including historical fiction, non-fiction, and plays ## Body ### Early Life Thomas Keneally was born in Sydney, Australia, and raised in a working-class family. He began writing in the 1960s and quickly established himself in the Australian literary scene. His early works were noted for their historical and social realism, often focusing on Australian identity and post-colonial themes. ### Career Keneally's career spans over 60 years, beginning with his first novel, *The Place with the Dried Lines* in 1964. He has written over 30 novels, including *The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith* (1977), which won the Miles Franklin Award, and *A Victim of the Australian System* (1966). His 1980 novel *The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith* was adapted into a film in 1977. His 1992 novel *Schindler's List* was adapted into a major film by Steven Spielberg and won the Booker Prize. ### Works Keneally's works include both fiction and non-fiction. His non-fiction works include *The Great Shame* (1996) and *Searching for Schindler* (2007), both of which explore historical events and personal stories. His novel *The Playmaker* (1991) won the Booker Prize, and his *The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith* (1977) won the Miles Franklin Literary Award. His 1992 novel *Schindler's List* was adapted into a film in 1993, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. ### Influence Keneally's influence extends beyond literature into film and historical storytelling. His works have been adapted into major films, including *Schindler's List*, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His writing has influenced how historical narratives are told, particularly in the context of the Holocaust and Australian colonial history. ### Legacy Keneally's legacy includes his contribution to Australian literature and international historical storytelling. His works are taught in schools and universities, and his influence on historical fiction and non-fiction is widely recognized. His writing has been translated into multiple languages and his works are studied in the context of both Australian and international literature. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. [Source](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4060537.htm) 3. [Source](http://www.abc.net.au/talkingheads/txt/s1989104.htm) 4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/24/movies/film-nicole-kidman-from-down-under-to-far-and-away.html) 5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/theater/politics-history-and-exile-are-at-heart-of-transport.html) 6. BnF authorities 7. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6691577.stm) 8. [Source](http://cathnews.com/archives/cath-news-archive/19910-acmro-calls-on-australian-senators-on-to-uphold-dignity-of-asylum-seekers) 9. [Source](http://isohunt.hid.im/torrents/?ihq=schindlers+list&iht=9) 10. [Source](http://www.xt3.com/library/view.php?id=18031) 11. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20178328) 12. NNDB 13. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/fiction/backlist/1982) 14. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/thomas-keneally/) 15. Australian honours system 16. International Standard Name Identifier 17. CiNii Research 18. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/lists/503/000063314/) 19. SNAC 20. Internet Broadway Database 21. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 22. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 23. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 24. Munzinger Personen 25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 26. Czech National Authority Database 27. Virtual International Authority File 28. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/gossip-from-the-forest) 29. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/confederates) 30. CONOR.SI 31. BBC Things 32. Goodreads 33. LIBRIS. 2018 34. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute 35. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/thomas-keneally-107a9C8Krl/appearances)