Early Life and Education

George Saunders was born on December 2, 1958, in Amarillo, Texas. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Oak Forest High School. He went on to study geophysical engineering at the Colorado School of Mines before transferring to the School of Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned a degree in creative writing.

Career as an Author

Saunders began his career as a writer with the publication of his first short story collection, "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline," in 1996. Since then, he has gone on to publish numerous critically acclaimed works, including "Pastoralia," "In Persuasion Nation," and "Tenth of December." His writing is known for its dark humor and satirical take on modern society.

Teaching Career

In addition to his work as an author, Saunders has also had a successful career as a teacher. He has taught creative writing at Syracuse University since 1997 and has been credited with mentoring some of today's most successful writers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Saunders has received numerous awards and accolades for his writing. He won the National Magazine Award for fiction in 1994 and 1996 and was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2006. In 2017, he won the Man Booker Prize for his novel "Lincoln in the Bardo."

Personal Life

Saunders is married to Paula Redick Saunders, a writer and environmentalist. They have two daughters together.

Net Worth

As of 2024, George Saunders' net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as an author and teacher.

Conclusion

George Saunders is a highly respected figure in the world of literature, known for his unique writing style and insightful commentary on contemporary society. With a successful career spanning over two decades, he continues to inspire readers and writers alike with his work.