Lytton Strachey

Date of Birth: March 1, 1880

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 21, 1932

Biography

Giles Lytton Strachey, known as Lytton Strachey, was a British writer and critic born on March 1, 1880, in London, England. He is best known for his work as a founding member of the Bloomsbury Group, an influential group of English writers, intellectuals, philosophers, and artists. Strachey achieved significant acclaim for his book “Eminent Victorians” (1918), which presented biographical sketches of four leading figures from the Victorian era, characterized by his wit, irreverence, and psychological insight. His approach to biography was revolutionary, moving away from the traditional hagiographic style to a more critical and human portrayal of his subjects. Strachey was educated at Cambridge University, where he was influenced by the literary and philosophical ideas of G.E. Moore and the burgeoning modernist movement. He continued to write prolifically, producing works such as the biography of Queen Victoria (1921), which further established his reputation as a master biographer and critic. Strachey’s work is noted for its elegant prose, sharp wit, and insightful analysis of human character. In addition to his literary accomplishments, Strachey was also known for his complex personal life. He maintained long-term relationships with several members of the Bloomsbury Group, most notably with artist Dora Carrington. Strachey’s contributions to literature and criticism had a lasting impact, influencing the genre of biography and the broader literary landscape of his time.

5 Interesting Facts about Lytton Strachey

1. Lytton Strachey was one of the first biographers to use psychological analysis in his work, making his subjects more relatable and human.

2. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was still criminalized in Britain, which influenced his relationships and writings.

3. Strachey was a distant cousin of the English poet and critic Sir Richard Strachey.

4. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930, although he did not win.

5. Lytton Strachey’s house in Tidmarsh, Berkshire, was a gathering place for many members of the Bloomsbury Group.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lytton Strachey

1. “Ignorance is the first requisite of the historian—ignorance which simplifies and clarifies, which selects and omits.”

2. “The history of the Victorian age will never be written: we know too much about it.”

3. “Perhaps the best test of a man’s intelligence is his capacity for making a summary.”

4. “A writer’s life is an experiment in the art of living.”

5. “Human beings are too important to be treated as mere symptoms of the past. They have a value which is independent of any temporal process.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lytton Strachey’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but given the era he lived in and his profession, it is unlikely that he amassed significant wealth. His influence and legacy, however, are invaluable in the literary world.