Search Results for 'John Banville'

Recent Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch will discuss his novel Prophet Song and 2005 winner John Banville will converse with author Mike McCormack at Galway's 39th Cúirt literature festival this month.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

In the early 1960s the poet Richard Murphy spent an eventful decade ferrying visitors on his converted traditional Galway hooker type boat, the Ave Maria, between Cleggan and Inishbofin, and to the islands beyond. It provided rich pickings for the poet. He kept a diary of the journeys, the characters who came on board, and the excellent fishing that anglers enjoyed, which he included in his finely observed autobiography The Kick, recently republished to celebrate his 90th birthday.*

In 1959 the poet Richard Murphy renovated the black-sailed Ave Maria, a traditional Galway hooker, which he used to ferry visitors to Inishboffin, and for a day’s fishing. Over the years the poet, the boat and the magnificent landscape attracted a flotsam and jetsam of humanity, many of a literary kind.

JOHN BANVILLE has just completed a new Benjamin Black mystery. "This one is a change from the usual," he tells me. "It's set in Prague in the late 1500s at the court of Rudolf II."

THE CÚIRT International Festival of Literature will grow from a six to an eight day event this year, testament to its increasing success over recent years, and John Banville, one of Ireland's leading novelists, will be among the writers taking part.

The 40th Westport Arts Festival kicks off next Wednesday, September 30, and this year’s festival features an eclectic mix of events for all ages across all art forms. The literary programme for this year’s festival includes the award-winning writer, John Banville, whose novel, The Sea, won the Man Booker Prize. There will also be readings from Donal Ryan, Martin Dyar, Geraldine Mills, and Orfhlaith Foyle. Dr Eimear O’Connor, art historian and author and curator, will give a presentation on Seán Keating and the Art of the Rebellion. The winners of the festival’s Poetry Competition will be announced at a special prize-giving evening of poetry and music in The Creel, featuring writer and singer-songwriter, Orlagh de Bhaldraithe.

Described as “one of the most imaginative literary novelists writing in the English language today,” John Banville will open The Lady Gregory - Yeats Autumn Gathering.  Taking place at Coole Park, Gort and Thoor Ballylee, from 25-27 September, the Gathering recognises Lady Gregory’s unique influence on Irish arts and literature.