John Banville is an Irish author known for his literary fiction and distinctive writing style. Born on December 8, 1945, in Wexford, Ireland, he has published numerous novels, many of which have received critical acclaim. His works often explore themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. In addition to his novels, Banville has also written screenplays and served as a critic. He is perhaps best known for his novel The Sea, which won the Man Booker Prize in 2005. Banville's contributions to literature have established him as a significant figure in contemporary Irish writing.