John Mortimer
John Mortimer: A Life of Wit and Wisdom
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Mortimer was born on January 21, 1923, in London, England. He is commonly known by his pen name, Rumpole of the Bailey, a character he created for his literary works.
Birth and Death Dates
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January 21, 1923 - January 16, 2009
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Mortimer was a British lawyer, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He is best known for his humorous portrayal of the English justice system through his writings.
Early Life and Background
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John Mortimer was born into a family that valued literature and the arts. His mother, Hazel Hone, was a writer and artist, while his father, Sir John Harold Mortimer, was a lawyer who later became a judge. The family's love for storytelling and creative expression had a profound impact on Mortimer's future career.
Growing up during World War II, Mortimer experienced the hardships of war firsthand. He attended Charterhouse School before enlisting in the Royal Navy at the age of 18. After serving in the war, Mortimer studied law at University College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors.
Major Accomplishments
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Mortimer's writing career spanned over five decades and included numerous novels, plays, and screenplays. Some of his notable works include:
Rumpole of the Bailey: A series of humorous stories about a defense lawyer named Horace Rumpole, who often found himself at odds with the law.
A Voyage Round My Father: A memoir that explores Mortimer's relationship with his father and the impact of the war on their family.
Mortimer was also known for his ability to craft engaging characters and plotlines. His writing style, which blended wit, humor, and insight into human nature, made him a beloved figure in British literature.
Notable Works or Actions
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Mortimer's literary career was marked by several notable works and actions:
Rumpole of the Bailey: The first novel in the series, published in 1970, introduced readers to the lovable but mischievous defense lawyer Horace Rumpole.
A Voyage Round My Father: Published in 1988, this memoir offered a poignant and humorous look at Mortimer's relationship with his father.
Impact and Legacy
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John Mortimer's impact on literature is still felt today. His ability to craft engaging characters and plotlines has influenced generations of writers. His legacy extends beyond the literary world, as well:
Challenging Social Norms: Through his writing, Mortimer challenged social norms and conventions, often using humor to critique the establishment.
Humanizing the Law: By creating relatable characters like Rumpole, Mortimer humanized the law and made it more accessible to readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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John Mortimer's quotes and writings continue to inspire and entertain readers today. His wit, humor, and insight into human nature have made him a beloved figure in British literature:
Wit and Humor: Mortimer's writing is characterized by its wit and humor, making him a favorite among readers who enjoy clever wordplay and satire.
Insight into Human Nature: Through his characters and plotlines, Mortimer offered a unique perspective on human nature, revealing the complexities and absurdities of life.
In conclusion, John Mortimer's life and work continue to inspire and entertain readers today. His legacy as a writer, lawyer, and thinker is a testament to his impact on literature and society.
Quotes by John Mortimer
John Mortimer's insights on:
I think being dead isn't any problem. It's the process of dying which is quite off-putting.
It's barrister behaviour to say what you think will appeal to the person you're talking to, whoever it happens to be, whether it's true or not.
Voting Liberal is a non-thing. Historically, it might be a good idea to have a Conservative government, because change is a good thing. But I don't know that I could bring myself to vote Tory.
The hardest thing is to write a play, because you have to hold their attention for two hours, and if you let them go for five minutes, they're gone for good.
There are lots of similarities between being a writer and a lawyer: to tell a story to a jury, hold their attention, make them laugh, make them like you. But what makes being a barrister less satisfying than being a writer is, finally, that it's about what someone else wants you to say.
I try and treat my children from the age of ten months as if they were totally grown up, which I think is the only way to treat children.
My father was the doyen of the divorce barristers. He was an extremely erudite and very famous divorce barrister. So that, when I was a little boy in the nursery, instead of a story like 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' I used to get 'The Duchess and the Seven Correspondents.'
I knew early on that I was going to be a writer. I think it's something rather like a curse that you're born with.
One thing my father said was that if you find yourself in a country where you have to carry papers, you know it has a lousy government.