Cary, Joyce, 1888-1957

Joyce Cary was a British author, best known as a novelist. Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, and raised in England, Cary was a sickly youth who showed a talent for writing and painting; he studied art, but questioned his ability and quit to attend Trinity College, Oxford, instead. He served with the Red Cross during the Balkan War, and joined the Nigerian Political Service, spending his spare time reading and writing. He found initial success with short fiction, and as he began to write novels his style became more complex and sophisticated. The success of The Horses' Mouth, the third novel in his first trilogy, gave him popular acclaim and financial independence. Cary is probably best remembered for creating vivid characters, and using them to explore themes such as personal values, relationships, and freedom.

From the description of Joyce Cary letter, note, and holiday greeting card, 1952-1953. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 155847761