Paul Auster (Newark, New Jersey, 1947 – Brooklyn, New York, 2024) was a prominent American novelist, essayist, translator, screenwriter and poet. He gained his recognition through a characteristic combination of existentialism, absurdity and metafiction, often exploring the themes of identity, loneliness and the search for meaning in his works.

He studied at Columbia University, but dropped out before graduating. He worked as a translator and editor before devoting himself fully to writing. His literary career began with the publication of The Glass City (1985), which introduced themes of chance, coincidence, and the unpredictable nature of human existence that would recur in his novels. One of Auster's most notable works is The New York Trilogy (1987), a collection of three interconnected novels that established him as a leading figure in American postmodern literature. Other works, such as Moon Palace (1989), The Music of Chance (1990), Leviathan (1992), and Brooklyn Review of Folly (2005), which blend elements of detective fiction, autobiography, and philosophical reflections, further cemented his reputation. Auster also wrote poetry, essays, and memoirs, including The Invention of Solitude (1982) and The Winter Diary (2012). He also tried his hand at writing scripts and directing in films such as Lulu on the Bridge (1998) and The Inner Life of Martin Frost (2007).

Auster is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a recipient of the French Order of Achievement in Arts and Letters. His books have been translated into more than forty languages. Revered for his imaginative storytelling and intellectual depth, Auster continues to be a prominent voice in contemporary American literature.