He was born March 31, 1926 in Leigh-on-sea (Essex) near London. In 1939 his parents sent him to a privileged
private school Bedford, where the future writer became interested in French and German literature. After school - the army and marine corps.
In 1950, Fowles graduated from the University of Oxford. After University teaching English language and literature -first in France at the University of Poitiers (1951), then in a private school on the island Spetsai in Greece (1951-1952), then until 1964 - in London colleges.
In 50-e years, writes poetry and works on his novel "the Magus". After meeting with the writer Paul Scott's transfer to a literary work.
Even his first novel "the Collector" (1963) is a resounding success, translated into sixteen languages, it is the film is a play in several countries carried out theatrical performances. Next novel "the Magus" (1966, revised version 1977) is no less success. Followed by the novels "the French Lieutenant's Woman, Daniel Martin, Mantissa", etc.
Most of the works of Fowles translated into Russian language, including the novel "the Worm" ("Vagrius", 1997).