Born in Manchester, England, in 1917, Anthony Burgess was an English writer, composer, and linguist. He is best known for his novel, A Clockwork Orange, which was later adapted into a movie by Stanley Kubrick. Burgess wrote over 30 novels, including Earthly Powers, Inside Mr. Enderby, and The Wanting Seed. He was also a prolific essayist, literary critic, and translator.
Anthony Burgess’s Biography
Anthony Burgess led a fascinating life that was a mix of triumphs and tragedies. He was born into a working-class family and grew up in Manchester. He lost his mother and sister at a young age and was raised by his aunt. Burgess was a bright student and won a scholarship to study at Manchester University.
During World War II, Burgess served in the British Army as an education officer. He was stationed in Gibraltar and Malta, where he began writing his first novel, A Vision of Battlements. After the war, Burgess worked as a teacher, a lecturer, and a freelance writer. He lived in several countries, including Italy, Malta, and Monaco.
An Insight into Burgess’s Love Life and Friendships
Anthony Burgess was married twice and had one son. His first wife, Llewela Isherwood Jones, died of liver disease in 1968. Burgess later married his second wife, Liana Macellari, who was his companion until his death in 1993.
Burgess had many close friendships with writers, musicians, and artists. He corresponded with Graham Greene, James Joyce, and William S. Burroughs. He also had a close friendship with the composer, John Wilson, with whom he collaborated on several operas and musicals.
Life Outside of Writing
Anthony Burgess had a rich and varied life outside of writing. He was a talented musician and composed several symphonies, concertos, and operas. He was also a linguist and spoke several languages, including Italian, French, and Russian.
Burgess was an avid reader and collector of books. He had a vast library of over 10,000 books, which he donated to the International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester. Burgess was also a lover of food and drink and wrote several books on the subject, including Joysprick: An Introduction to the Language of James Joyce.
Burgess’s Best Quotes
Anthony Burgess was a master of language and had a way with words that was both witty and profound. Here are some of his best quotes:
- “Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.”
- “It’s always good to remember where you come from and celebrate it. To remember where you come from is part of where you’re going.”
- “Every dogma has its day.”
- “The best way to understand a culture is to be a part of it.”
Burgess’s Best Books
Anthony Burgess wrote over 30 novels, but some of his best-known works include:
- A Clockwork Orange
- Earthly Powers
- Inside Mr. Enderby
- The Wanting Seed
- The End of the World News
The First and Last Books of Anthony Burgess
Anthony Burgess’s first novel was A Vision of Battlements, which he wrote during his time in Gibraltar and Malta. The novel was not published until 1965, long after Burgess had become a successful writer.
Burgess’s last novel was The End of the World News, which was published in 1982. The novel is a satirical take on the Cold War and nuclear politics.
Anthony Burgess’s Books in Order
If you want to read Anthony Burgess’s books in order, here is a list:
- A Vision of Battlements (1965)
- The Worm and the Ring (1961)
- Devil of a State (1961)
- The Right to an Answer (1960)
- One Hand Clapping (1961)
- The Doctor Is Sick (1960)
- The Wanting Seed (1962)
- A Clockwork Orange (1962)
- Honey for the Bears (1963)
- Inside Mr. Enderby (1963)
- Nothing Like the Sun (1964)
- The Eve of Saint Venus (1964)
- Tremor of Intent: An Eschatological Spy Novel (1966)
- Enderby Outside (1968)
- M/F (1971)
- Napoleon Symphony: A Novel in Four Movements (1974)
- Beard’s Roman Women (1976)
- Abba Abba (1977)
- 1985 (1978)
- Man of Nazareth (1979)
- Earthly Powers (1980)
- The End of the World News (1982)
- The Kingdom of the Wicked (1985)
- Any Old Iron (1989)
- Mozart and the Wolf Gang (1991)
- A Dead Man in Deptford (1993)
Burgess’s Books and Characters Become Movies or Other Media
Many of Anthony Burgess’s books and characters have been adapted into movies, plays, and other media. Here are some notable examples:
- A Clockwork Orange (1971) – directed by Stanley Kubrick
- Nothing Like the Sun (1964) – a novel about Shakespeare’s love life
- The Wanting Seed (1962) – a dystopian novel set in a future world of overpopulation and government control
- Jesus of Nazareth (1977) – a TV miniseries based on Burgess’s novel, Man of Nazareth
- Tremor of Intent (1966) – a spy novel that was adapted into an opera by Burgess and composer, Hans Werner Henze
Other Artists Who Inspired Anthony Burgess
Anthony Burgess was inspired by many other artists, including writers, musicians, and filmmakers. Here are some of his influences:
- James Joyce – Burgess was a great admirer of Joyce’s work and wrote several books on Joyce’s language and style.
- William Shakespeare – Burgess was also a fan of Shakespeare and wrote several books about the Bard’s life and work.
- Igor Stravinsky – Burgess was a fan of Stravinsky’s music and even wrote a biography of the composer.
- Stanley Kubrick – Burgess worked with Kubrick on the adaptation of A Clockwork Orange and had a great respect for the director’s vision.
Other Writers to be Read Absolutely
If you’re a fan of Anthony Burgess’s work, here are some other writers you should definitely check out:
- James Joyce – Burgess was heavily influenced by Joyce’s language and style, and it shows in his own writing.
- William S. Burroughs – Burgess was a fan of Burroughs’s experimental style and wrote an essay about the writer’s work.
- Samuel Beckett – Burgess admired Beckett’s minimalist style and wrote a book about the playwright’s work.
- Vladimir Nabokov – Burgess was a great admirer of Nabokov’s writing and wrote a book about the Lolita author.
Backbiting and Gossip – Criticism of Burgess
Despite his success as a writer, Anthony Burgess was not immune to criticism and gossip. Some critics accused him of being too prolific and not taking enough time to craft his novels. Others criticized his use of language and accused him of being too obscure.
Burgess was also the subject of some backbiting and gossip in literary circles. Some accused him of being arrogant and self-important, while others criticized his personal life. However, none of this detracts from Burgess’s legacy as a writer and cultural icon.
Anthony Burgess’s Pop Culture Legacy
Anthony Burgess’s legacy is still alive and well in pop culture. A Clockwork Orange remains a popular and controversial novel, and the movie adaptation is considered a classic. Burgess’s influence can also be seen in the work of other writers, such as Irvine Welsh and Chuck Palahniuk.
Burgess’s music and literary criticism continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and fans alike. And his legacy is also celebrated by the International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester, which promotes his work and hosts events and exhibitions.
Conclusion – Anthony Burgess’s Legacy is Still Alive
In conclusion, Anthony Burgess was a fascinating and complex writer who left behind a rich and varied legacy. From his love life to his friendships, his books to his movies, and everything in between, Burgess’s work continues to inspire and fascinate readers and scholars alike.
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