His early works of fiction included two unauthorized sequels to classic works of Victorian English literature: Alice through the Needle's Eye (following Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass) and Peter Pan and the Only Children (following Peter and Wendy).
From 1992 to 1996 he wrote the "Scrutiny" column for The Sunday Times.
He is currently writing a stage version of Love and Death on Long Island which is being developed by producers New Gods and Heroes.
From 1968 to 1980 he lived in Paris, France. At present he lives in London, England.
The 1997 film Love and Death on Long Island by Richard Kwietniowski was based on his 1990 novel of the same name.
The film The Dreamers by Bernardo Bertolucci, with a script by Adair, was based on material from three of his books, The Holy Innocents, The Dreamers, and Buenas Noches, Buenos Aires.
