Evelyn Waugh is one of the most celebrated English authors of the 20th century. His works, which include novels such as “Brideshead Revisited” and “Scoop,” have been widely praised for their wit, satire, and social commentary. But Waugh’s life was just as fascinating as his writing. In this bio, we’ll explore his early life, career, relationships, and more.
Introduction to Evelyn Waugh’s life and work
Evelyn Waugh was born on October 28, 1903, in London, England. He was the second son of Arthur Waugh, a publisher and literary critic, and Catherine Charlotte Raban, an artist. Waugh was educated at Lancing College and Hertford College, Oxford, where he studied history. After leaving university, he worked briefly as a schoolmaster and then as a journalist.
Waugh’s first novel, “Decline and Fall,” was published in 1928. It was an immediate success, and Waugh became known for his satirical and humorous writing style. He went on to write many more novels, including “Vile Bodies,” “A Handful of Dust,” and “The Loved One.” Waugh also wrote biographies, travel books, and essays.
Evelyn Waugh’s early life and education
Waugh’s early life was marked by tragedy. His older brother, Alec, was killed in World War I when Waugh was just 13 years old. Waugh later wrote that this event had a profound impact on his life and writing.
At Lancing College, Waugh was a talented student. He excelled in English and classics, and he also showed promise as an artist. However, he was often unhappy and felt out of place. He later described his time at Lancing as “a long and agonizing experience of unhappiness.”
At Oxford, Waugh continued to excel academically. He was awarded a first-class degree in history, but he was also known for his eccentric behavior and his love of pranks. Waugh’s time at Oxford was also marked by his conversion to Roman Catholicism, a decision that would have a significant impact on his writing and personal life.
Evelyn Waugh’s career as a writer
Waugh’s career as a writer began in earnest after the publication of “Decline and Fall.” The novel was an instant success, and Waugh quickly became one of the most talked-about writers of his generation. His next novel, “Vile Bodies,” was equally well-received, and it cemented Waugh’s reputation as a satirical and witty writer.
Over the course of his career, Waugh wrote many more novels, each with its own unique style and voice. Some of his most famous works include “A Handful of Dust,” “Brideshead Revisited,” and “The Loved One.” Waugh also wrote biographies, travel books, and essays. His writing was marked by its humor, wit, and social commentary.
Evelyn Waugh’s relationships and love life
Waugh’s personal life was often just as interesting as his writing. He was married twice, first to Evelyn Gardner and then to Laura Herbert. Both marriages were marked by infidelity and turmoil. Waugh had many affairs throughout his life, including a long-term relationship with Alastair Graham, the inspiration for the character of Sebastian Flyte in “Brideshead Revisited.”
Waugh’s relationships with women were often fraught with tension. He was known for his misogynistic views and his belief that women were inferior to men. This attitude is reflected in many of his novels, which often feature male protagonists and female characters who are either villainous or subservient.
Evelyn Waugh’s friendships and social circle
Despite his difficult relationships with women, Waugh had many close friendships throughout his life. He was part of a group of writers and artists known as the “Bright Young Things,” who were known for their hedonistic lifestyles and wild parties. Waugh was also friends with many other writers, including Graham Greene and T.S. Eliot.
Waugh’s friendships were often complicated by his caustic wit and his tendency to criticize and gossip about others. He was known for his sharp tongue and his ability to cut others down with a single word. However, he was also fiercely loyal to his friends and would defend them fiercely if he felt they were being wronged.
Evelyn Waugh’s views on backbiting and gossip
Waugh’s tendency to criticize and gossip about others was not without its consequences. He was often the subject of criticism and controversy himself, and he frequently found himself embroiled in public feuds with other writers and critics.
Despite this, Waugh remained steadfast in his belief that backbiting and gossip were necessary for a healthy society. He believed that criticism was a vital part of the creative process and that it was important to speak one’s mind, even if it meant offending others. This attitude is reflected in many of his novels, which are often critical of society and its mores.
Evelyn Waugh’s criticism and controversies
Waugh’s writing was often controversial, and he was frequently the subject of criticism and censorship. His novel “A Handful of Dust” was banned in Argentina for its portrayal of a corrupt government. “Brideshead Revisited” was criticized by some for its portrayal of homosexuality, while others objected to its portrayal of the Roman Catholic Church.
Waugh was also a vocal critic of many aspects of modern society, including mass culture, consumerism, and the decline of traditional values. His writing often reflects these concerns, and he was known for his scathing critiques of modern life.
Evelyn Waugh’s life outside of writing
Although Waugh was best known for his writing, he had many other interests outside of literature. He was an avid traveler and often wrote about his experiences in his travel books. He was also a talented artist and illustrator, and he designed covers for many of his own books.
Waugh was also a passionate gardener and spent much of his later life tending to his garden at his home in Combe Florey, Somerset. He was known for his love of nature and his ability to create beautiful and serene spaces.
The best quotes from Evelyn Waugh’s books
Waugh’s writing is known for its wit and humor, and he has many memorable quotes to his name. Some of his most famous include:
- “There is no such thing as conversation. It is an illusion. There are intersecting monologues, that is all.”
- “Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.”
- “One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.”
- “All this fuss about sleeping together. For physical pleasure I’d sooner go to my dentist any day.”
- “The human mind is inspired enough when it comes to inventing horrors; it is when it tries to invent a Heaven that it shows itself cloddish.”
A look at Evelyn Waugh’s best books and their impact
Waugh wrote many great books over the course of his career, but some stand out as his best. “Brideshead Revisited” is perhaps his most famous novel, and it has been adapted for television and film multiple times. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and family, and it is widely regarded as a masterpiece of English literature.
Other notable works by Waugh include “A Handful of Dust,” which satirizes the English upper classes, and “Scoop,” which is a hilarious send-up of the world of journalism. Waugh’s writing has had a lasting impact on English literature, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.
Evelyn Waugh’s first and last book
Waugh’s first book, “Decline and Fall,” was published in 1928 to critical acclaim. The novel is a satire of English society and education, and it established Waugh as a major literary talent.
Waugh’s last book, “Unconditional Surrender,” was published in 1961. The novel is a sequel to “Men at Arms” and “Officers and Gentlemen,” and it follows the exploits of Guy Crouchback, a Catholic soldier in World War II.
A list of Evelyn Waugh’s books in order
Waugh wrote many books over the course of his career. Here is a list of his major works in chronological order:
- “Decline and Fall” (1928)
- “Vile Bodies” (1930)
- “Black Mischief” (1932)
- “A Handful of Dust” (1934)
- “Scoop” (1938)
- “Put Out More Flags” (1942)
- “Brideshead Revisited” (1945)
- “The Loved One” (1948)
- “Helena” (1950)
- “Love Among the Ruins” (1953)
- “Officers and Gentlemen” (1955)
- “Men at Arms” (1957)
- “Unconditional Surrender” (1961)
Evelyn Waugh’s books and characters becoming movies or other media
Many of Waugh’s books and characters have been adapted for film, television, and other media. “Brideshead Revisited” has been adapted twice for television, while “Scoop” was made into a film in 1987. “A Handful of Dust” was also adapted for film in 1988.
Waugh’s characters have also appeared in other media. Sebastian Flyte, the protagonist of “Brideshead Revisited,” was played by Jeremy Irons in the 1981 adaptation of the novel. The character of William Boot, from “Scoop,” has been played by actors such as Michael Maloney and Harry Treadaway in various adaptations.
Other artists who inspired Evelyn Waugh
Waugh was inspired by many other artists over the course of his life. He was a fan of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and was particularly fond of the “Goldberg Variations.” He was also a fan of the paintings of John Piper and the poetry of T.S. Eliot.
Other writers to read who were influenced by Evelyn Waugh
Waugh’s writing has had a lasting impact on English literature, and there are many other writers who have been influenced by his work. Some notable examples include Martin Amis, who has been called a “post-Waugh” writer, and Zadie Smith, who has cited Waugh as an influence on her own writing.
Conclusion: Evelyn Waugh’s legacy and continued relevance
Evelyn Waugh’s writing has had a lasting impact on English literature. His novels, essays, and travel books are widely regarded as classics, and his wit and humor continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Although Waugh’s views on women and society may be outdated, his writing remains relevant and engaging. Whether you’re a fan of satire, social commentary, or just good writing, Waugh’s books are well worth reading.
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