Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby 01 (cropped)

Nick Hornby (born 17 April 1957) is an English author, essayist, screenwriter, and lyricist. He is best known for his books High Fidelity, About a Boy, and Fever Pitch, which have all been adapted into feature films. Hornby's work often touches on themes of music, sports, and the complexities of human relationships.

Early Life and Education

Nick Hornby was born in Redhill, Surrey, England. He attended Maidenhead Grammar School and later studied English literature at Jesus College, Cambridge. After graduating, he worked as a teacher and a journalist before becoming a full-time writer.

Career

Hornby's first published book, Fever Pitch (1992), is a memoir about his obsession with football, specifically Arsenal F.C.. The book was well-received and won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

His first novel, High Fidelity (1995), explores the life of a record store owner and his struggles with relationships and adulthood. The novel was adapted into a film in 2000, starring John Cusack, and later into a television series.

About a Boy (1998) is another of Hornby's well-known works. The story revolves around a bachelor who forms an unexpected bond with a young boy. The novel was adapted into a film in 2002, starring Hugh Grant, and also into a television series.

Hornby has also written several other novels, including How to Be Good (2001), A Long Way Down (2005), and Juliet, Naked (2009). His works often feature protagonists who are deeply flawed yet relatable, and they frequently incorporate elements of popular culture.

Screenwriting and Other Works

In addition to his novels, Hornby has written screenplays for several films, including An Education (2009) and Brooklyn (2015). He has also contributed essays and articles to various publications and has edited several anthologies.

Hornby is also known for his work as a lyricist. He has collaborated with American singer-songwriter Ben Folds on the album Lonely Avenue (2010).

Personal Life

Nick Hornby has been married twice and has three children. He is an avid supporter of Arsenal F.C. and often incorporates his love of football into his writing.

Bibliography

• Fever Pitch (1992)
• High Fidelity (1995)
• About a Boy (1998)
• How to Be Good (2001)
• A Long Way Down (2005)
• Juliet, Naked (2009)
• Funny Girl (2014)
• Just Like You (2020)

Awards and Recognition

Hornby has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award and the BAFTA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for An Education.

See Also

• List of English writers
• List of Arsenal F.C. supporters
• High Fidelity (film)
• About a Boy (film)