History of Paul Auster in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2024

Paul Benjamin Auster is a celebrated American writer known for his novels, memoirs, and films. His works, including "The New York Trilogy," "Moon Palace," and "The Book of Illusions," often explore themes of chance, identity, and the human condition. Translated into over 40 languages, Auster's writing has garnered international acclaim, solidifying his place as a significant figure in contemporary literature.

February 3, 1947: Birth of Paul Auster

Paul Benjamin Auster was born on February 3, 1947.

1970: Graduation from Columbia University

Paul Auster graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and M.A. in English and Comparative Literature in 1970.

1974: Return to the United States

After a period in Paris, Paul Auster returned to the United States in 1974 and continued his work on poetry, essays, and translations.

1974: Marriage to Lydia Davis

Paul Auster married writer Lydia Davis in 1974.

1979: Separation from Lydia Davis

Paul Auster and Lydia Davis separated in 1979.

1981: Divorce from Lydia Davis and Marriage to Siri Hustvedt

Paul Auster divorced Lydia Davis and married writer Siri Hustvedt in 1981.

1982: Publication of The Random House Book of Twentieth-Century French Poetry

Paul Auster edited and published 'The Random House Book of Twentieth-Century French Poetry' in 1982.

1982: Publication of The Invention of Solitude

Paul Auster's acclaimed debut memoir, 'The Invention of Solitude', was published in 1982.

1987: Publication of The New York Trilogy

Paul Auster published his acclaimed 'The New York Trilogy' in 1987.

1989: Publication of Moon Palace

Paul Auster published his novel 'Moon Palace' in 1989.

1990: Publication of The Music of Chance

Paul Auster published 'The Music of Chance' in 1990, further exploring themes of coincidence and random events.

1998: Directorial Debut with Lulu on the Bridge

Paul Auster directed his first film, 'Lulu on the Bridge,' in 1998.

2004: Joining PEN American Center Board of Trustees

Paul Auster became a member of the PEN American Center board of trustees in 2004.

2005: Vice President of PEN American Center

Paul Auster became the Vice President of the PEN American Center in 2005.

2007: End of Term as Vice President of PEN American Center

Paul Auster's term as Vice President of the PEN American Center ended in 2007.

2008: Critical Acclaim from Michael Dirda

In 2008, Michael Dirda praised Paul Auster in The New York Review of Books and The Washington Post, recognizing Auster's unique style, suspenseful plots, and the creation of a world that is both familiar and unsettling.

2009: End of Term on PEN American Center Board of Trustees

Paul Auster's term on the PEN American Center board of trustees ended in 2009.

2012: Public Stance Against Turkey's Treatment of Journalists

In 2012, Paul Auster publicly declared his refusal to visit Turkey due to its treatment of journalists, sparking a response from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Auster countered by highlighting the imprisonment of numerous writers and publishers in Turkey.

October 2017: Publication of A Life in Words

'A Life in Words', a compilation of conversations between Paul Auster and Danish scholar I.B. Siegumfeldt about Auster's works, was published in October 2017 by Seven Stories Press.

2017: Critical Praise for 4 3 2 1

In 2017, Booklist critic Donna Seaman commended Paul Auster's novel '4 3 2 1' for its unconventional storytelling, genre-bending, and exploration of complex themes like fate, free will, and identity.

2017: Publication of 4 3 2 1 and Man Booker Prize Shortlisting

Paul Auster's novel '4 3 2 1' was published in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

April 16, 2022: Arrest of Daniel Auster

On April 16, 2022, Daniel Auster, Paul Auster's son, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide in the death of his 10-month-old daughter Ruby.