William Wharton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1925. During the Second World War, Wharton served in the US army, until an injury led to his discharge. In 1978, Wharton’s first novel, ‘Birdy’, was published to critical acclaim. Before his death in 2008, Wharton penned 8 further novels, and 3 memoirs. The most recent memoir, ‘Shrapnel’, was published for the first time in English in 2012.

Praise for William Wharton 'Wharton is exceptionally gifted' JOHN FOWLES 'William Wharton's search for meaning in personal tragedy is harrowing, courageous, and extraordinarily moving' - Hilma Wolitzer 'There are surprisingly few 'classic' novels of World War II, A Midnight Clear joins the best.' VILLAGE VOICE 'Brilliantly constructed, immediate and moving, painful and funny, and finally deeply cathartic' - San Francisco Chronicle

William Wharton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1925. During the Second World War, Wharton served in the US army, until an injury led to his discharge. In 1978, Wharton’s first novel, ‘Birdy’, was published to critical acclaim. Before his death in 2008, Wharton penned 8 further novels, and 3 memoirs. The most recent memoir, ‘Shrapnel’, was published for the first time in English in 2012.

Praise for William Wharton 'Wharton is exceptionally gifted' JOHN FOWLES 'William Wharton's search for meaning in personal tragedy is harrowing, courageous, and extraordinarily moving' - Hilma Wolitzer 'There are surprisingly few 'classic' novels of World War II, A Midnight Clear joins the best.' VILLAGE VOICE 'Brilliantly constructed, immediate and moving, painful and funny, and finally deeply cathartic' - San Francisco Chronicle