John Masters’ Bio is one that is filled with passion, emotion, and a deep love for the written word. He was a writer, a filmmaker, and a creator who brought some of the most beloved characters and stories to life.
In this biography, we will explore the life and career of John Masters, uncovering some of the untold stories that have been hidden from the public eye for far too long.
Introduction
John Masters was born on June 26, 1914, in Calcutta, India.
He was the son of a British officer, and he spent much of his childhood traveling throughout India and other parts of the world. He was a curious child who loved to read and write, and he soon discovered that his true passion lay in creating stories.
Early Life and Education
John Masters spent much of his childhood in India, where he attended school and learned about the rich history and culture of the country. He was a bright student who excelled in his studies, and he soon developed a love for literature and writing.
After completing his education, he joined the British Army and served in World War II, where he was wounded in action.
John Masters’s Career as a Writer and Filmmaker
After the war, John Masters returned to his first love, writing, and he began to create stories that would captivate readers around the world. He wrote several novels, including “Bhowani Junction,” “The Deceivers,” and “The Lotus and the Wind,” which were all well-received by readers and critics alike.
He also worked as a filmmaker, directing several films based on his own novels.
John Masters’s Writing Style and Themes
John Masters was known for his vivid descriptions and his ability to transport readers to far-off lands and exotic locales. He often wrote about India and other parts of Asia, and his stories were filled with rich descriptions of the landscape, the people, and the culture.
He also explored themes such as love, loss, and betrayal, and his characters were often complex and multi-dimensional.
Backbiting and Gossip Surrounding John Masters
Despite his success, John Masters was not immune to the backbiting and gossip that often surrounds those in the entertainment industry.
Rumors circulated about his personal life, and there were whispers that he was difficult to work with and had a temper. However, those who knew him well described him as kind, generous, and deeply passionate about his work.
Criticism of John Masters’s Work
While John Masters was beloved by many readers, he also faced criticism from some who felt that his portrayal of India and its people was inaccurate or even offensive. Some critics felt that he romanticized the country and its culture, while others felt that his depictions were too simplistic or stereotypical.
Love Life and Friendships
John Masters was married twice and had several children. He was also known for his close friendships with other artists and writers, including E.M. Forster and Mulk Raj Anand.
His relationships were often intense and passionate, reflecting his deep emotions and his commitment to his art.
Life Outside of Writing
While John Masters was best known for his writing and filmmaking, he also had many other interests and hobbies. He was an avid traveler, and he loved to explore new cultures and cuisines.
He was also a skilled artist, and he enjoyed painting and drawing in his spare time.
John Masters’s Net Worth
Despite his success as a writer and filmmaker, John Masters was never driven by money or fame.
He lived a simple and humble life, and he was known for his generosity and his commitment to helping others. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Best Quotes from John Masters
John Masters was known for his poetic and evocative writing style, and he left behind many memorable quotes that continue to inspire readers today.
Some of his best-known quotes include:
- “The past is a candle at great distance: too close to let you quit, too far to comfort you.”
- “We have always been creatures of the moment. Our forefathers were no less so than we. The difference is that they had a sense of continuity, of the past living on in the present, which we lack.”
- “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
The Main Places Where John Masters’s Books Are Set
Many of John Masters’s novels were set in India and other parts of Asia, reflecting his deep love and fascination for the region.
Some of his most famous works include “Bhowani Junction,” which was set in India during the time of Partition, and “The Deceivers,” which was set in colonial India.
Best Books by John Masters
John Masters wrote many novels and non-fiction works, but some of his best-known and most beloved books include:
- “Bhowani Junction”
- “The Deceivers”
- “The Lotus and the Wind”
- “Nightrunners of Bengal”
- “The Road Past Mandalay”
The First and Last Book by John Masters
John Masters’s first novel was “Now God Be Thanked,” which was published in 1944. His last book was “The Ravi Lancers,” which was published in 1972.
John Masters’s Books in Order
For readers who want to explore John Masters’s work in chronological order, the following is a list of his books:
- “Now God Be Thanked” (1944)
- “Nightrunners of Bengal” (1951)
- “Bhowani Junction” (1954)
- “The Deceivers” (1952)
- “The Lotus and the Wind” (1959)
- “The Venus of Konpara” (1960)
- “The Sound of Revelry” (1964)
- “The Field Marshal’s Memoirs” (1969)
- “The Ravi Lancers” (1972)
John Masters’s Books or Characters That Became Movies or Other Media
Several of John Masters’s books and characters have been adapted into films or other media.
Some of the most famous adaptations include:
- “Bhowani Junction,” which was adapted into a film starring Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger.
- “The Deceivers,” which was adapted into a film starring Pierce Brosnan and Saeed Jaffrey.
- “Nightrunners of Bengal,” which was adapted into a television mini-series in India.
Other Artists Who Inspired John Masters
John Masters was deeply influenced by many other artists and writers, including Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad, and T.S. Eliot.
He was also inspired by the rich history and culture of India and other parts of Asia, which he explored in his writing and filmmaking.
Other Writers to Read Absolutely After John Masters
For readers who love John Masters’s work and want to explore other writers with a similar style or theme, some great options include:
- Salman Rushdie
- Arundhati Roy
- V.S. Naipaul
- Amitav Ghosh
- Jhumpa Lahiri
Conclusion
John Masters was a master of words and cinema, a man who dedicated his life to telling stories and exploring the world around him.
His legacy continues to inspire readers and filmmakers today, and his contributions to the world of literature and film will never be forgotten.
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