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source: wikipedia.org
02 Oct, 1904
03 Apr, 1991
Unknown
British
Writer
86
Graham Greene, a highly productive English writer, was known for his exploration of moral and political dilemmas in the modern world through his extensive body of work.
Born in 1904 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, his childhood was intertwined in academia right from the beginning as his father, Charles Greene, was the headmaster of Berkhamsted School where he received his education. After running away from school, Greene underwent psychoanalysis, which greatly enhanced his understanding of psychology. Following this, he enrolled at Balliol College, Oxford focusing on history. His conversion to Catholicism in 1926 marked a turning point in his life which had a profound influence on his writing.
Kicking off his career as a journalist and sub-editor for The Times, Greene made his debut as a novelist with The Man Within in 1929. Following the success of The Man Within, Greene decided to leave The Times and worked as a film critic and literary editor for The Spectator.
Graham Greene got his big break with his novel Stamboul Train which was published in 1932 and proved to be a commercial success thereby establishing Greene as a prominent writer. This book gave way to a series of successful novels in this category which included A Gun for Sale, The Confidential Agent, and The Ministry of Fear.
Although his “entertainment” novels were quite popular, it was his literary works that showcased his ability to capture life’s moral ambiguities. Two of his most notable literary works include Brighton Rock and The Power and the Glory.
Greene also worked as a screenwriter and film critic. Several of his own novels were also adapted into films. He was known for his sharp and clever critiques which helped him review films for publications such as The Spectator and The New Statesman.
Greene died in 1991 in Vevey, Switzerland, at the age of 86. In recognition of his literary contributions, The Graham Greene Birthplace Trust organizes the annual Graham Greene International Festival in Berkhamsted which attracts Greene enthusiasts from all over the world. This event has been held every year from 1998 onwards except for 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Graham Greene
Graham Greene
Male
Unknown
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England
Vevey, Switzerland
Debater: Graham Greene was known for his witty criticism and takes on various topics which he incorporated into his writing.
He was close friends with notorious double agent Kim Philby who leaked sensitive information to the Soviets for nearly three decades.
Greene had a brief stint as a spy for MI6 during World War II. His experiences in the world of espionage greatly influenced his writing, particularly in novels like "The Third Man" and "Our Man in Havana," which explore themes of intrigue and moral ambiguity.
Greene's Catholic upbringing significantly influenced his work. His novels often explore moral dilemmas, guilt, and the complexities of faith, reflecting his struggle with belief and doubt throughout his life.
• Wrote over 25 novels, including critically acclaimed works like “The Power and the Glory”, “The Heart of the Matter”, and “The Quiet American”
• Received the 1948 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for “The Heart of the Matter”
• Won the 1981 Jerusalem Prize for literature on the theme of individual freedom
• Shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times (1961, 1966, 1967)
• Had over 80 of his novels and short stories adapted into films
• Received the Order of Merit, one of Britain’s highest honors, in 1986
• Awarded the 1968 Shakespeare Prize for his body of work
• Won the 1941 Hawthornden Prize for “The Power and the Glory”