Hector Hugh Munro
Hector Hugh Munro: A Life of Wit and Satire
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Hector Hugh Munro was born on December 15, 1870, in Helensburgh, Scotland. He is more commonly known by his pen name, Saki (pronounced "sah-kee"), which was adopted from the Japanese word for "bitter" or "sharp".
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 15, 1870
Died: November 14, 1916
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Munro held British nationality. He is best known as a short story writer, satirist, and journalist.
Early Life and Background
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Hector Munro was the youngest of six children to Colonel Arthur Alistair Munro and Blanche Hélène Euphémie Douglas Campbell. His father was a Royal Artillery officer who served in various parts of the British Empire. The family moved frequently during Munro's childhood, eventually settling in England. Munro received his education at Bedford School and later studied at Marlborough College.
Major Accomplishments
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Munro's writing career began in the early 1900s, with his first short story published in 1902. He went on to contribute stories to various magazines, including _The New Yorker_ and _The Daily Chronicle_. His unique blend of humor, satire, and wit gained him recognition among readers and critics alike.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Munro's most notable works include:
"The Toys of Peace" (1911) - a satirical short story collection that critiques the social norms of his time.
"The Chronicles of Clovis" (1909) - a collection of short stories featuring a series of mischievous and adventurous young boys in the fictional country of Clovis.
* His contributions to _The Daily Chronicle_ as its correspondent during World War I, where he reported on military operations from the front lines.
Impact and Legacy
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Munro's writing has had a lasting impact on literature. His unique blend of satire, humor, and wit paved the way for future generations of writers. His work continues to be widely read and studied today, offering insight into the social norms and values of early 20th-century Britain.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Munro's writing is still widely quoted today due to its clever wit and satire. His ability to tackle complex issues with humor and irony has made his work enduringly relevant. Many consider him one of the greatest short story writers of all time, alongside authors like O. Henry and Ernest Hemingway.
In conclusion, Hector Hugh Munro's life was marked by his exceptional writing talents, which continue to inspire readers today. His unique voice and perspective offer a glimpse into the world of early 20th-century Britain, making him an important figure in literary history.
Quotes by Hector Hugh Munro
Hector Hugh Munro's insights on:
I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.
All decent people live beyond their incomes; those who aren’t respectable live beyond other people’s; a few gifted individuals manage to do both.
A woman who takes her husband about with her everywhere is like a cat that goes on playing with a mouse long after she’s killed it.
Hors d’oeuvres have always a pathetic interest for me; they remind me of one’s childhood that one goes through wondering what the next course is going to be like – and during the rest of the menu one wishes one had eaten more of the hors d’oeuvres.
I think she must have been very strictly brought up, she’s so desperately anxious to do the wrong thing correctly.
Why are women so fond of raking up the past? They’re as bad as tailors, who invariably remember what you owe them for a suit long after you’ve ceased to wear it.
But, good gracious, you’ve got to educate him first. You can’t expect a boy to be vicious till he’s been to a good school.
There are certain fixed rules that one observes for one’s own comfort. For instance, never be flippantly rude to any inoffensive grey-bearded stranger that you may meet in pine forests or hotel smoking-rooms on the Continent. It always turns out to be the King of Sweden.
To be among people who are smothered in furs when one hasn’t any oneself makes one want to break most of the Commandments.
