Ethan Canin was born in 1960 in Ann Arbor. He studied English at Stanford and holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Iowa and an MD from Harvard Medical School. He has published a collection of stories, The Emperor of Air (1988), four novellas under the title The Palace Thief (1994) and four novels, including Carry Me Across the Water (2001) and America America (2008). Since 1998 he has taught at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
Ethan Canin was born in 1960 in Ann Arbor. He studied English at Stanford and holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Iowa and an MD from Harvard Medical School. He has published a collection of stories, The Emperor of Air (1988), four novellas under the title The Palace Thief (1994) and four novels, including Carry Me Across the Water (2001) and America America (2008). Since 1998 he has taught at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.