V. S. Pritchett
V.S. Pritchett: A Literary Giant
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Vincent Stuart Pritchett was commonly known by his initials V.S., but to many, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest short story writers of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
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V.S. Pritchett was born on December 25, 1900, in Ipswich, England, and passed away on March 16, 1997, at the age of 96.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Pritchett was a British author, essayist, translator, and literary critic. His writing spanned various genres, including short stories, novels, essays, and criticism, earning him a reputation as one of the most versatile writers of his time.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Ipswich, Pritchett developed a love for literature at an early age. He was raised by his mother after his father's death when he was just two years old. His family struggled financially, but his mother encouraged his love for reading, which became a source of comfort and inspiration for him.
Pritchett's formal education began at the Ipswich Grammar School, where he showed a talent for writing. He later attended King's College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. It was during this time that he developed a deep appreciation for modernist writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.
Major Accomplishments
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Pritchett's writing career spanned over six decades, during which he published numerous short stories, novels, essays, and translations. Some of his notable works include:
The Wine Glass (1947), a collection of short stories that showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives with subtle humor.
A Cab at the Door (1958), a novel that explores themes of love, family, and social class in post-war England.
* The Living Novel (1975), an essay collection that offers insightful analysis on modernist writers.
Notable Works or Actions
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Pritchett's contributions to literature extend beyond his own writing. He was a prolific translator, having translated the works of French authors like Marcel Aymé and Roger Martin du Gard into English. His translations helped introduce these writers to British audiences, enriching the literary landscape of the time.
Impact and Legacy
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Pritchett's impact on literature is immeasurable. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1948 and awarded an honorary degree by Cambridge University in 1975. His writing continues to be widely read and studied, offering insights into the human condition that remain relevant today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Pritchett's quotes are often cited for their wit, humor, and profound observations on life. He was known for his ability to distill complex ideas into simple yet elegant language, making him a beloved figure in the literary world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to capture our imagination and inspire us to see the world from new perspectives.
Pritchett's writing continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of humor, intelligence, and emotional depth. His work remains an essential part of modern literature, offering readers a glimpse into the human experience that is both timeless and timely.
Quotes by V. S. Pritchett
Life - how curious is that habit that makes us think it is not here, but elsewhere.
If Ivan was thought of as an evasive, irresolute and will-less man in later years, one has to suppose that his mother had broken his will.
The attitude to foreigners is like the attitude to dogs: dogs are neither human nor British, but so long as you keep them under control, give them their exercise, feed them, pat them, you will find their wild emotions are amusing, and their characters interesting.
One is inclined to add only one emollient sentence: that whoever you are and whatever you have done, you will be reversed if you reach old age, for then you will look like a hard old walnut or like some beatified infant of boundless cynicism – the London ideas of innocence. You will look so sweet that you will be able to get away with anything.
Your successes were never due to your brains. You achieved them because you have “character.
As Londoners, we are – you see – drama itself and have no reason to whip ourselves up into states with sirens and altercations. We like the police to be quiet, the ambulances discreet, and the fire engines jolly.
