Samuel Beckett author page

Samuel Beckett biography

Samuel Beckett was an Irish novelist, playwright, theatre director, and poet. He was born in Dublin and studied at Trinity College Dublin, where he specialised in French and Italian. After graduating, Beckett moved to Paris, where he became associated with a circle of artists and writers, including James Joyce.

Beckett wrote in both English and French, producing works that are known for their minimalist style and exploration of existential themes. His most famous play, Waiting for Godot, was written in French as En attendant Godot and premiered in 1953 at the Théâtre de Babylone in Paris. The play was later translated into English by Beckett himself and first performed in London in 1955.

In addition to his plays, Beckett wrote novels such as Molloy (1951), Malone Dies (1951), and The Unnamable (1953), which form a trilogy. His other notable works include the play Endgame (1957) and the novel Murphy (1938). Beckett’s writing is characterised by its sparse language, dark humour, and focus on the human condition.

Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969. His influence extends across literature, theatre, and the arts, and his works continue to be studied and performed internationally. Waiting for Godot remains a significant milestone in twentieth-century theatre, with its first English-language performance taking place in 1955.