Gordon Burn
Gordon Burn was an influential English writer and journalist, born on January 16, 1948, in Newcastle, England. Growing up near Newcastle Breweries, he developed a love for reading at an early age, often consuming multiple books each day from the library. This passion for literature led him to pursue a career in journalism during his teenage years, where he quickly established himself and was able to support himself by the age of twenty-one. Burn gained recognition for his true crime writing, notably winning the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1984 for his work on the Yorkshire Ripper in "Somebody's Husband, Somebody's Son." He was also honored as columnist of the year in 1991 for his sports column in Esquire. In addition to nonfiction, Burn explored fiction, winning the Whitbread First Novel Prize in 1992 for "Alma Cogan." Known for his distinctive style, Burn's literary contributions span various genres, reflecting his versatility as a writer. He eventually settled in London with his partner, painter Carol Gorner.
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Gordon Burn
Writer
- Born: January 16, 1948
- Birthplace: Newcastle, England
- Died: July 17, 2009
Biography
Gordon Burn was born in Newcastle, England, on January 16, 1948. He grew up in the shadows of Newcastle Breweries. Burn’s father was a factory worker who mainly enjoyed reading Zane Grey and Westerns. Burn took to books early and would often read two or three books a day from the library. By the time he reached his teen years, Burn had decided to become a journalist. Although he often hung out at the Mordern Tower near his home, where Beat poets came to read, Burn never considered poetry a possible profession. Journalism suited Burn, and he found it easy to get published on a regular basis. By the time he was twenty-one, Burn was able to support himself through his journalism.
Burn spent nearly a dozen years writing magazine features before deciding to write a book. Influenced by the writers of American New Journalism like Tom Wolfe and Gay Talese, he decided to write a true crime, nonfiction work. In 1984, he won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from Mystery Writers of America for Somebody’s Husband, Somebody’s Son, his true crime work on the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliff.
Even after the win, Burn continued to write essays for a variety of magazines. He liked the quick turnaround and publication of magazine writing. In 1991, Burn was named columnist of the year in the Magazine Publishing Awards for his Esquire sports column. In addition to publishing in magazines and writing nonfiction, Burn also decided to try fiction. According to Burn, his novels are driven more by style than plot or character. Burn won the 1992 Whitbread First Novel Prize for his novel Alma Cogan. Burn settled in London with painter Carol Gorner.