Peter Straub
Peter Straub is an acclaimed horror writer. Many critics consider his novel Ghost Story to be the finest example of horror fiction ever written. In addition to horror novels, Straub has also penned several books of poetry. Straub has won many awards for his work, including the Bram Stoker Award, World Fantasy Award and the International Horror Guild Award. He lists his favorite writers as Henry James, John Ashbery, Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens and Raymond Chandler.
Peter Straub Bio
Any respectable Peter Straub bio should start with the date and location of his birth - March 2nd, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The eldest of three sons, Straub’s parents were employed as a salesman and a nurse. From an early age, Peter Straub loved to read. In fact, he taught himself how to read by memorizing the pages of his comic books. He would then recite them to the neighborhood children from the front steps of his home.
Peter Straub was hit by a car when he was seven years old. He missed a year of school, suffered numerous broken bones and had to re-learn how to walk. The traumatic event also left him with a stutter, something he wouldn’t shake until in his twenties (according to his official bio, it still manifests from time to time).
After graduation, Straub attended college at the University of Wisconsin (later known as the University School of Milwaukee). His neighbor was Steve Miller, the rock musician famous for songs such as “Fly Like an Eagle,” “The Joker,” and “Abracadabra.” Straub graduated in 1965. He then attended Columbia University and received an MA in English in 1966. After getting married, Straub taught English at his alma mater until 1969.
After three years of teaching, Straub decided to move to Dublin and work on his Ph.D.. Once there, he also turned to professional writing. Straub published two books of poems, and the first novel he ever submitted (Marriages) was also published. From 1972 until 1979, Straub relocated to London. His first horror novel came in the form ofJulia in 1976. His fifth novel, Ghost Story, brought Straub a great deal of international attention. Ghost Story was made into a movie in 1981.
Peter Straub returned to the United States in 1979. After having a daughter, Emma, the Straub family eventually settled in New York City. Straub continues to write horror fiction. His books have won numerous awards and garnered both critical and commercial success. In his spare time, he enjoys jazz, opera and classical music.
Peter Straub Books List
Peter Straub is the award-winning author of numerous poems, short stories and novels. The following is a complete Peter Straub books list.
- 1971: My Life in Pictures (poems)
- 1972: Ishmael (poems)
- 1972: Open Air (poems)
- 1973: Marriages
- 1976: Julia
- 1977: If You Could See Me Now
- 1979: Ghost Story
- 1980: Shadowland
- 1982: The General's Wife
- 1983: Floating Dragon
- 1983: Leeson Park and Belsize Square: Poems 1970 - 1975
- 1984: The Talisman (co-written with Stephen King)
- 1984: Wild Animals (collects Julia, If You Could See Me Now, and Under Venus)
- 1985: Under Venus
- 1988: Koko (World Fantasy Award winner in 1989)
- 1990: Mystery
- 1990: Houses Without Doors
- 1990: "A Short Guide to the City" (short story)
- 1990: Mrs. God
- 1993: The Throat (Bram Stoker Award winner in 1993)
- 1995: The Hellfire Club
- 1999: Mr. X (Bram Stoker Award winner in 1999)
- 1999: Pork Pie Hat (novella)
- 2000: Magic Terror
- 2001: Black House (co-written with Stephen King)
- 2003: Lost Boy, Lost Girl (Bram Stoker Award winner in 2003)
- 2004: The Devil’s Wine (poems)
- 2004: In The Night Room (Bram Stoker Award winner in 2004)
- 2006: Sides (collection of non-fiction essays)
- 2007: 5 Stories (Bram Stoker Award winner in 2007)
- 2008: Poe’s Children (anthology)
- 2009: The Skylark
More Horror Writers
- Clive Barker
- Dennis Etchison
- Douglass Clegg
- H.P. Lovecraft
- Joe R. Lansdale
- Peter Straub
- Robert Bloch
- Robert R. McCammon
- Stephenie Meyer (author of Twilight books)
- Theodore Sturgeon