Harold Acton

Date of Birth: July 16, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 27, 1994

Biography

Harold Acton was a distinguished British historian, writer, and aesthete, best known for his works on Italian history and culture. Born into a wealthy family, Acton was educated at Eton and Oxford, where he moved in elite literary circles, befriending figures such as Evelyn Waugh. After university, Acton settled in Florence, Italy, where he immersed himself in the local culture and history. He authored several notable books, including “The Last Medici” and “Memoirs of an Aesthete,” which showcased his deep knowledge and passion for Renaissance Italy. Acton’s life was marked by a dedication to the preservation of cultural heritage, and he was instrumental in restoring his family villa, La Pietra, which he later donated to New York University.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Acton

1. Harold Acton was a member of the Bright Young Things, a group of bohemian young aristocrats and socialites in 1920s London.

2. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, French, and Mandarin.

3. Acton served as an intelligence officer in the British Royal Air Force during World War II.

4. He was a prolific author, writing not only histories but also novels, biographies, and essays.

5. Acton received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to literature and cultural preservation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Acton

1. “History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.”

2. “To understand a culture, you must understand its history.”

3. “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

4. “Aesthetic appreciation is the key to a rich and meaningful life.”

5. “Preserving the beauty of the past is a duty we owe to future generations.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Harold Acton achieved is estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to his family’s wealth and his successful literary career.