Richard Thomas Condon was an American author, best known for his satirical and thriller novels. Condon was born in New York City in 1915 and passed away in 1996. He is most famous for his books "The Manchurian Candidate" and "Prizzi's Honor," both of which were adapted into successful movies. Prior to becoming a novelist, Condon had a varied career, including serving in the U.S. Merchant Marines and working as a press agent for the Walt Disney Company for 20 years.
Condon's writing was known for its complexity and intricate plotting, often featuring trivia and a sense of loathing for those in power. He started writing in his forties, after growing disillusioned with his work as an ad writer in Hollywood. His breakthrough came in 1959, when he wrote "The Manchurian Candidate," a novel that was turned into a movie in 1962, bringing Condon fame. His novel "Prizzi's Honor" was also adapted into a successful movie in 1982.
Condon's writing often featured characters driven by obsession, whether sexual or political, and by family loyalty. His plots often contained elements of classical tragedy, with protagonists whose pride led them to a place where they would destroy what they loved. Some of his books, such as "Mile High," can be described as secret history. "And Then We Moved to Rossenarra" is a humorous autobiographical account of the various places where he had lived, including his family's move to Rossenarra, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland in the 1970s.