Ethan Canin

Ethan Canin photo Iowa City

Ethan Canin (born July 19, 1960) is an American author, educator, and physician. He is known for his novels, short stories, and his work as a professor of creative writing.

Early Life and Education

Ethan Canin was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He grew up in San Francisco, California, where he attended Town School for Boys and San Francisco University High School. Canin went on to study at Stanford University, where he earned a degree in English. He later attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he received an MFA in creative writing. Canin also holds an MD from Harvard Medical School.

Career

Literary Work

Ethan Canin's literary career began with the publication of his short story collection, Emperor of the Air, in 1988. The collection was well-received and established him as a significant voice in contemporary American literature. His subsequent works include the novels Blue River (1991), For Kings and Planets (1999), Carry Me Across the Water (2001), America America (2008), and A Doubter's Almanac (2016).

Canin's writing often explores themes of family, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. His work has been praised for its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight.

Teaching

In addition to his writing, Ethan Canin is a respected educator. He has taught at the Iowa Writers' Workshop since 1998, where he has mentored many emerging writers. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of character development and narrative structure.

Medicine

Ethan Canin is also a trained physician. After completing his medical degree at Harvard Medical School, he practiced medicine for several years before focusing on his writing and teaching careers. His medical background often informs his literary work, providing a unique perspective on the human condition.

Personal Life

Ethan Canin lives in Iowa City, Iowa, with his family. He continues to write, teach, and contribute to the literary community.

Selected Works

• Emperor of the Air (1988)
• Blue River (1991)
• The Palace Thief (1994)
• For Kings and Planets (1999)
• Carry Me Across the Water (2001)
• America America (2008)
• A Doubter's Almanac (2016)

Awards and Honors

Ethan Canin has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award.

See Also

• List of American novelists
• Iowa Writers' Workshop
• Harvard Medical School