Picture a California-born storyteller weaving tales of art, mystery, and the underground—meet Augustus Rose! A novelist and screenwriter, Rose captivated readers with his debut novel, The Readymade Thief, a thrilling blend of conspiracy, urban exploration, and Marcel Duchamp’s enigmatic art. Now a creative writing professor in Chicago, Rose’s unique narratives and passion for teaching continue to inspire.
The Making of Augustus Rose
Born in the coastal town of Bolinas, California, Augustus Rose grew up surrounded by the eclectic energy of San Francisco. His early years were steeped in books, from cults to speculative science, which he collected while working in bookstores. This curiosity for hidden knowledge shaped his storytelling. Rose later transitioned from screenwriting—where his script Far From Cool earned an Academy Nicholl Fellowship finalist nod—to crafting novels that push boundaries.
Augustus Rose’s Unforgettable Stories
Rose’s debut, The Readymade Thief (Viking, 2017), follows Lee Cuddy, a homeless teen navigating Philadelphia’s shadowy underworld of urban exploration, psychedelics, and the dark net. The novel’s heart lies in its connection to Marcel Duchamp’s art, particularly The Large Glass, which Rose uses to explore themes of mystery and meaning. Critics praised its cerebral yet accessible style, with Colson Whitehead calling it “a kickass debut.”
Beyond his novel, Rose has penned essays like “The Puzzles of Marcel Duchamp” and “In Praise of the Unshelvable,” showcasing his knack for blending art and narrative. His current novel-in-progress, set in a 1980s San Francisco high school, promises to dive into coming-of-age themes with his signature twist. Rose’s style—layered, curious, and unafraid of the weird—invites readers to co-create meaning, much like Duchamp’s art.
Why Augustus Rose Matters
Augustus Rose’s work resonates because it dares to explore the gaps between art, story, and reader. His focus on narrative structure and character arcs, both in writing and teaching at the University of Chicago, empowers new writers to chase their own curiosities. By blending high-concept ideas with gritty human stories, Rose bridges literary fiction and thriller genres, leaving a mark on readers and students alike.
- Born: Bolinas, California
- Key Work: The Readymade Thief (2017)
- Notable Achievement: Academy Nicholl Fellowship Finalist for Far From Cool
Snag The Readymade Thief and dive into Augustus Rose’s thrilling, art-infused world!