Paul Smith (Irish writer) facts for kids

Paul Smith (born October 4, 1920, in Dublin, Ireland – died January 11, 1997, in Dublin) was an Irish writer and playwright. A playwright is someone who writes plays for the theater.

Paul Smith's Life Story

Paul Smith grew up near Charlemont Street in Dublin. His father was a wheelwright, which means he made and repaired wheels.

When Paul was just 16, he started working with the Gate Theatre in Dublin. He also worked as a costume maker and designer for the Abbey Theatre and the Gate Theatre. These are two famous theaters in Dublin.

In the 1950s, Paul moved to London, England. After that, he went to Sweden, where he began writing. He then moved to America and later to Australia. He lived in Melbourne, Australia, for several years.

While in Australia, he wrote some of his well-known works. These include The Countrywoman (1962), The Stubborn Season (1962), and Stravanga (1963).

Memorial to Paul Smith, near the Grand Canal, Dublin

Paul returned to Dublin in 1972. He stayed there until he passed away on January 11, 1997.

In 1978, he received the American Irish Foundation Literary Award. He was also a member of Aosdána. This is an Irish group that honors artists who have made important contributions to the arts in Ireland.

Books and Plays by Paul Smith

Here are some of the books and plays Paul Smith wrote:

• Esther's Altar (published in New York in 1959). This book was later printed again as Come Trailing Blood (in London in 1977).
• The Stubborn Season (published in London in 1961).
• The Countrywoman (published in London in 1962).
• Stravanga (published in London in 1963).
• Summer Sang in Me
• Esther's Altar, which was performed as a play in Los Angeles in 1978.