Anthony Powell

Date of Birth: December 21, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 28, 2000

Biography

Anthony Dymoke Powell was a distinguished English novelist best known for his twelve-volume work, “A Dance to the Music of Time,” which is considered one of the greatest literary achievements of the 20th century. Born into a military family, Powell was educated at Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford, where he developed a passion for literature and writing. After graduation, he worked in publishing and as a screenwriter before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His literary career was marked by the meticulous depiction of English society through the changing times of the 20th century. Powell’s works often reflect his keen observations of human relationships and social nuances, making him a pivotal figure in modern literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Anthony Powell

1. Anthony Powell served in the British Army during World War II, achieving the rank of Major.

2. He was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1957 for his novel “At Lady Molly’s,” part of his “A Dance to the Music of Time” series.

3. Powell was a close friend of fellow writers Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell.

4. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1956 and later received a knighthood in 1988.

5. “A Dance to the Music of Time” was adapted into a television series by Channel 4 in 1997.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anthony Powell

1. “Books do furnish a room.”

2. “Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven’t committed.”

3. “People think because a novel’s invented, it isn’t true. Exactly the reverse is the case.”

4. “Self-knowledge is a dangerous thing, tending to make man shallow or insane.”

5. “Memory is the only friend of grief.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Anthony Powell’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to the success of his literary works and their adaptations.

Children

Anthony Powell had two sons, Tristram Powell, who became a television director and producer, and John Powell, who pursued a career outside of the public eye.