Hubert Selby, Jr. (July 23, 1928 – April 26, 2004) was an American author.

Born in Brooklyn, Selby dropped out of school at age 15 and joined the Merchant Marine. Physically disabled by tuberculosis, he lost a lung at the age of 18 and was sent home. He was not expected to live long.

For the next decade, Selby remained bed-ridden and frequently hospitalized with a variety of lung related ailments. Unable to make a living due to health concerns, Selby decided, "I know the alphabet. Maybe I could be a writer." His decision produced a number of novels and stories often ranked as some of the most powerful literature written by an American author in the twentieth century.

After the publication of Last Exit to Brooklyn in 1964, Selby became addicted to heroin, a problem that eventually landed him in prison. After his release from prison, he moved to Los Angeles and kicked his habit.

Selby was married three times and had four children. In recent years, both Last Exit to Brooklyn and Requiem for a Dream have been adapted to film.

Still living in Los Angeles, he died on April 26, 2004 of chronic lung disease.

Works

• Last Exit to Brooklyn (1964)
• The Room (1971)
• The Demon (1976)
• Requiem for a Dream (1978)
• Song of the Silent Snow (1986)
• The Willow Tree (1998)
• Waiting Period (2002)
• Blue Eyes And Exit Wounds, spoken word with Nick Tosches, 1998 CD

External link

• Obituary of Hubert Selby, Jr. (AP)

• "It/ll Be Better Tomorrow", documentary on Hubert Selby Jr.

• The DVD of Requiem for a Dream contains a fascinating film of Selby Jr. talking with Ellen Burstyn