Alice Thomas Ellis

Date of Birth: September 9, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 8, 2005

Biography

Alice Thomas Ellis, born Anna Haycraft, was a renowned British writer known for her sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. She was born on September 9, 1932, in Liverpool, England. Ellis gained widespread recognition for her novels, essays, and columns, which often explored themes of domestic life and religion with a blend of humor and melancholy. She converted to Catholicism at the age of 19 and her faith deeply influenced her writing. Ellis’s literary career took off with the publication of her first novel, “The Sin Eater,” in 1977. She went on to write several more acclaimed books, including “Unexplained Laughter” and “The 27th Kingdom,” the latter of which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1982. In addition to her novels, she wrote for various publications, including “The Spectator” and “The Oldie,” where she became a beloved columnist. Ellis married Colin Haycraft, the owner of the publishing house Duckworth, and the couple had seven children. Her life was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of her son Joshua at a young age, an event that profoundly affected her writing. Alice Thomas Ellis passed away on March 8, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of literary works that continue to be celebrated for their incisive commentary and unique voice.

5 Interesting Facts about Alice Thomas Ellis

1. Alice Thomas Ellis was a pen name; her real name was Anna Haycraft.

2. She was a close friend of the famous novelist Kingsley Amis.

3. “The 27th Kingdom” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1982.

4. She converted to Catholicism at the age of 19, which significantly influenced her writing.

5. Despite her literary success, she was known for her reclusive nature and preferred the quiet of her home life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alice Thomas Ellis

1. “Life is not as idle ore, but iron dug from central gloom and heated hot with burning fears.”

2. “The more we are filled with thoughts of lust the less we find true romantic love.”

3. “In the end, everything is a gag.”

4. “It is easy to be a moralist on paper, but when it comes to life, the only way to be good is to be a little bit bad.”

5. “Good intentions are invariably road-pavers.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alice Thomas Ellis’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of her career, primarily from her book sales and writing assignments.

Children

Alice Thomas Ellis had seven children with her husband Colin Haycraft. Tragically, one of her sons, Joshua, passed away at a young age, an event that greatly influenced her writing.