J. B. Priestley

English writer (1894–1984)

J. B. Priestley belongs to the literary record as a writer whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.

The record lists J. B. Priestley as English writer (1894–1984).

J. B. Priestley was born in 1894. His recorded nationality is United Kingdom. He was educated at Trinity Hall.

Around the turn of the twentieth century, literary form itself came under argument, and the certainties of the realist novel were dismantled.

He worked as novelist, playwright and librettist.

The writing is recorded in English.

Literature is judged by re-reading, which is a slower and harsher test than acclaim.

Recognition followed: James Tait Black Memorial Prize (1929).

That the work was written from United Kingdom matters: language, censorship and the reach of a publishing industry decide which books travel and which stay local.

J. B. Priestley died in 1984, aged 90. The books remain, which is the only durable form a writing life takes.

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