Paul Theroux Biography and latest books by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux is best-known for his legendary writings: The Great Railway Bazaar and The Old Patagonian Express. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts. He studied at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After the completion of his studies, he worked as a teacher in Malawi as part of the Peace Corps. However his stay was interrupted when he was declared persona non grata by Malawian leader Dr. Hastings Banda for aiding Yatuta Chisiza (former Malawian Minister of Home Affairs) to flee to Uganda. Yatuta was accused of trying to overthrow the government of Malawi under Dr. Hastings Banda.  Peace Corps disconnected ties with Theroux and he moved to Uganda. In Uganda, he taught at the Makerere University. At this time, he wrote for the Transition Magazine. He also wrote his first novel Waldo at this time. After moving out of Uganda, he taught at the National University of Singapore until he moved to the UK.
 

Paul Theroux is the father of the British authors and documentary film makers Louis Theroux and Marcel Theroux. He is the brother of writers Alexander Theroux (Three Wogs: A Novel) and Peter Theroux (Sandstorms). He is an uncle to screenwriter and actor Justin Theroux (I Shot Andy Warhol, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle).