“—the hot sun and the heavy rain, the new green of spring and the fire-golden of fall: the farmer’s weather of Fresno, in which I lived and became a part of the human race.”

Saroyan, The Time of Your Life, (Preface) 1939

2008 Centennial Honors Saroyan’s Legacy

Fresno, California is leading a statewide celebration honoring their most high-spirited native son, William Saroyan, during the 100th anniversary year of his birth (1908-2008).

Saroyan was an internationally renowned Armenian-American novelist and playwright, whose published writings topped over 4,000 literary works, including short stories, plays, and novels.  William Saroyan was born in Fresno and died in Fresno, and in between he became an award-winning writer and playwright, to include a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, and The Drama Critic’s Circle Award.  He had an illustrious career that spanned over forty-seven years.

For a complete list of events celebrating the life of William Saroyan, visit:  www.saroyancentennial.org