Anthony Powell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Anthony Dymoke Powell, often referred to simply as Anthony Powell, was a distinguished English novelist best known for his twelve-volume work, "A Dance to the Music of Time." His name is synonymous with the intricate exploration of English society, and he is often quoted for his keen observations and wit.
Birth and Death Dates
Anthony Powell was born on December 21, 1905, and passed away on March 28, 2000. His life spanned nearly a century, during which he witnessed and chronicled significant social changes.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Powell was British by nationality. He was primarily a novelist, but his career also included roles as a biographer, memoirist, and critic. His literary contributions have left an indelible mark on English literature.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Powell was born in Westminster, London, into a family with military connections. His father, Philip Lionel William Powell, was an officer in the Welsh Regiment, which meant that the family moved frequently during Powell's childhood. This transient lifestyle exposed him to various facets of British society, which would later inform his writing.
Powell was educated at Eton College, where he developed a passion for literature and writing. He went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he formed friendships with contemporaries such as Evelyn Waugh and Graham Greene. These relationships would prove influential in his literary career, providing both inspiration and a network of like-minded individuals.
Major Accomplishments
Anthony Powell's most significant accomplishment is undoubtedly his twelve-volume series, "A Dance to the Music of Time." Published between 1951 and 1975, the series is a monumental achievement in English literature, offering a panoramic view of British society from the 1920s to the 1970s. The series is celebrated for its depth, character development, and the seamless integration of historical events with personal narratives.
In addition to his novels, Powell wrote several memoirs, including "To Keep the Ball Rolling," which provides insight into his life and the literary circles he frequented. His work as a critic and biographer further cemented his reputation as a leading figure in 20th-century literature.
Notable Works or Actions
While "A Dance to the Music of Time" is Powell's magnum opus, his other works also deserve recognition. His early novels, such as "Afternoon Men" and "Venusberg," showcase his developing style and thematic interests. Powell's biography of John Aubrey, a 17th-century antiquary, is another notable work that highlights his skill in bringing historical figures to life.
Powell's ability to capture the nuances of human behavior and societal norms is evident in his writing. His works are characterized by their wit, irony, and a keen understanding of the complexities of social interactions.
Impact and Legacy
Anthony Powell's impact on literature is profound. "A Dance to the Music of Time" is often compared to Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" for its scope and depth. Powell's exploration of time, memory, and the human condition resonates with readers and scholars alike, ensuring his place in the literary canon.
His influence extends beyond his novels. Powell's memoirs and critical essays offer valuable insights into the literary world of the 20th century, providing context and commentary on the works of his contemporaries. His legacy is one of intellectual rigor and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Anthony Powell is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive observations on society and the human experience. His writing captures the subtleties of social interactions and the passage of time with a precision that resonates with readers. Quotes from his works often reflect his wit and philosophical insights, making them relevant across generations.
Powell's ability to weave complex narratives that reflect the intricacies of life ensures that his work remains a touchstone for those interested in the interplay between individual lives and broader societal changes. His legacy as a chronicler of 20th-century British life continues to inspire and provoke thought, securing his place as a significant figure in literary history.
Quotes by Anthony Powell
They made me think of long-forgotten conflicts and compromises between the imagination and the will, reason and feeling, power and sensuality; together with many more specifically personal sensations, experienced in the past, of pleasure and of pain.
A certain amount of brick-throwing might even be a good thing. There comes a moment in the career of most artists, if they are any good, when attacks on their work take a form almost more acceptable than praise. That happens at different moments in different careers.
Lady Warminster was a woman among women,’ said Mrs Erdleigh. ‘I shall never forget her gratitude when I revealed to her that Tuesday was the best day for the operation of revenge.
His turn-out was emphatically excellent, and he diffused waves of personality, strong, chilling gusts of icy air, a protective element that threatened to freeze into rigidity all who came through the door, before they could approach him nearer.
He seemed about to speak; then, as if he could not give sufficient weight to the words while we walked, he stopped and faced me.
It was, however, in keeping with the way my uncle conducted his life that he should reach his destination without knowing the name of the goal.
Lady Warminster represented to a high degree that characteristic of her own generation that everything may be said, though nothing indecorous discussed openly. Layer upon layer of wrapping, box after box revealing in the Chinese manner yet another box, must conceal all doubtful secrets; only the discipline of infinite obliquity made it lawful to examine the seamy side of life. If these mysteries were observed everything might be contemplated: however unsavoury: however unspeakable.
People think because a novel’s invented, it isn’t true. Exactly the reverse is the case. Because a novel’s invented, it is true. Biography and memoirs can never be wholly true, since they can’t include every conceivable circumstance of what happened. The novel can do that. The novelist himself lays it down. His decision is binding. The biographer, even at his highest and best, can be only tentative, empirical.
I felt that, if we could avoid seeing each other for long enough, any questions of sentiment – so often deprecated by Barbara herself – could be allowed quietly to subside, and take their place in those niches of memory especially reserved for abortive emotional entanglements of that particular kind.
It was an occasion that undoubtedly did more credit to Mr. Deacon’s social adroitness than to my own, because I was still young enough to be only dimly aware that there are moments when mutual acquaintance may be allowed more wisely to pass unrecognised.