Bill Hayes (writer)

Bill Hayes, photo by Walter Kurtz

Bill Hayes is an American writer, biographer, and photographer. He is known for his works that often explore themes of science, medicine, and personal memoir. Hayes has authored several books and has contributed to various publications.

Early Life and Education

Bill Hayes was born in Spokane, Washington. He attended Santa Clara University where he earned a degree in English literature. Hayes later moved to San Francisco, where he began his writing career.

Career

Hayes' first book, Sleep Demons: An Insomniac's Memoir, was published in 2001. The book combines personal narrative with scientific exploration of sleep and insomnia. His subsequent works have continued to blend personal experiences with broader cultural and scientific themes.

In 2007, Hayes published The Anatomist: A True Story of Gray's Anatomy, which delves into the history of the famous medical text Gray's Anatomy and its authors, Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter. The book received critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and thorough research.

Hayes' 2017 memoir, Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me, chronicles his move to New York City and his relationship with the renowned neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks. The book is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the vibrancy of life in New York.

Personal Life

Bill Hayes was the partner of Oliver Sacks until Sacks' death in 2015. Hayes has written extensively about their relationship and the impact Sacks had on his life and work.

Photography

In addition to his writing, Hayes is an accomplished photographer. His photographs often capture candid moments of everyday life in New York City. His work has been featured in various exhibitions and publications.

Bibliography

• Sleep Demons: An Insomniac's Memoir (2001)
• Five Quarts: A Personal and Natural History of Blood (2005)
• The Anatomist: A True Story of Gray's Anatomy (2007)
• Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me (2017)
• How We Live Now: Scenes from the Pandemic (2020)

See Also

• Oliver Sacks
• Gray's Anatomy
• Insomnia
• New York City