Evelyn Waugh

Easton Press Evelyn Waugh books

Brideshead Revisited - 2000

Franklin Library Evelyn Waugh books

Decline and Fall - Greatest Books of the Twentieth Century - 1979

 

 

Author Evelyn Waugh

Evelyn Waugh was a prominent English writer celebrated for his satirical novels, witty prose, and acerbic wit, which captured the essence of British society in the interwar period. Born on October 28, 1903, in London, England, Waugh was raised in a family with aristocratic connections, an upbringing that would later influence his writing. After attending various schools, including Lancing College and Hertford College, Oxford, Waugh developed a passion for literature and writing. His experiences at Oxford, where he was known for his sharp wit and unconventional behavior, provided fodder for his early satirical works.

Waugh's literary career took off in the 1920s with the publication of his first novel, Decline and Fall (1928), a biting satire of English society and its institutions. This debut novel established Waugh as a master of social commentary and satire, setting the tone for much of his subsequent work. Throughout the 1930s, Waugh produced a series of acclaimed novels, including Vile Bodies (1930), Black Mischief (1932), and A Handful of Dust (1934), which cemented his reputation as one of the leading literary voices of his generation. His works often depicted the decadence, absurdity, and moral decay of the British upper class, reflecting his disillusionment with the society in which he lived. Waugh's most enduring work, Brideshead Revisited (1945), stands as a departure from his earlier satirical novels, offering a more introspective and nostalgic exploration of themes such as love, faith, and the passage of time. This magnum opus, inspired by Waugh's own experiences and reflections, is widely regarded as one of the greatest English novels of the 20th century.

Despite achieving literary acclaim, Waugh's personal life was marked by turmoil and controversy, including failed marriages, strained relationships, and struggles with depression and alcoholism. However, his literary output remained prolific, encompassing novels, essays, travel writing, and journalism. In addition to his fiction writing, Waugh was also known for his sharp wit and caustic humor, which he displayed in his numerous letters, diaries, and public pronouncements. His distinctive voice and keen observations continue to resonate with readers today, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Evelyn Waugh passed away on April 10, 1966, but his literary works remain as relevant and compelling as ever, offering incisive critiques of society and timeless reflections on the human condition.