Paul Theroux

American travel writer and novelist · United States · On the map · Writers · Born 1941 · age 85

Paul Edward Theroux is an American novelist and travel writer who has written numerous books, including the travelogue The Great Railway Bazaar (1975). Some of his works of fiction have been adapted as feature films.

Paul Theroux is read about 677 times a day, in 28 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 8 November 2026

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A life in dates

2015Patron’s MedalAward2007“Fogeydom is the last bastion of the bore and reminiscence is its anthem.”In their words2 January 2007Remember the Cicadas and the Stars?, International Herald TribuneRead the whole statement

2000“In many ways connection has been disastrous. We have confused information (of which there has been too much of) with ideas (of which there are too few.”In their wordsFresh Air Fiend (2000)Read the whole statement

“You have to find out for yourself. Take the leap. Go as far as you can. Try staying out of touch. Become a stranger in a strange land. Acquire humility. Learn the language.”In their wordsFresh Air Fiend (2000)Read the whole statement

1991“Death is an endless night so awful to contemplate that it can make us love life and value it with such passion that it may be the ultimate cause of all joy and all art.”In their wordsHockney’s Alphabet, D is for Death, ed. Stephen Spender (1991)Read the whole statement

1985“The Peace Corps is a sort of Howard Johnson’s on the main drag into maturity.”In their wordsSunrise with Seamonsters (1985).Read the whole statement

1983“Mustn’t grumble” was the most English of expressions. English patience was mingled inertia and despair. What was the use? But Americans did nothing but grumble!”In their wordsThe Kingdom by the Sea: A Journey Around Great Britain, ch. 1 (1983).Read the whole statement

1981James Tait Black Memorial PrizeAward1955Eagle ScoutAward1941Born10 April 1941

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In their own words 4

Paul Theroux

4 statements, newest first

Animal lovers often tend to be misanthropes or loners, and so they transfer their affection to the creature in their control.
December 2006 · Living With Geese, Smithsonian Magazine (December 2006)., Own words
Even the most distant and exotic place has its parallel in ordinary life.
2000 · Fresh Air Fiend (2000), Own words
Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.
29 October 1989 · Observer (London, Own words

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Awards

Patron’s Medal2015

James Tait Black Memorial Prize1981

Eagle Scout1955

About this person

He was awarded the 1981 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel The Mosquito Coast, which was adapted for the 1986 movie of the same name and the 2021 television series of the same name.

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United States

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IMDb

In the same film or series as Paul

Janet McTeerAlso in Half Moon Street (1986)

Martha PlimptonAlso in The Mosquito Coast (1986)

George LazenbyAlso in Saint Jack (1979)

Haluk BilginerAlso in Half Moon Street (1986)