Date of Birth: July 16, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: February 27, 1994
Biography
Harold Acton was a noted British historian, writer, and aesthete, renowned for his contributions to literature and history. Born into a wealthy and artistic family, Acton was educated at Eton College and later at Christ Church, Oxford. His early life was marked by a cosmopolitan upbringing, spending much of his youth in Italy and France. Acton’s literary career began in the 1920s, and he quickly gained recognition for his sharp wit and elegant prose. He was a prominent figure in the “Bright Young Things” circle, a group of bohemian aristocrats and intellectuals in 1920s London. Acton published numerous works, including biographies, historical studies, and novels. His most notable historical works include “The Bourbons of Naples” and “The Last Medici,” which showcased his deep knowledge of Italian history. Acton spent much of his later life in Tuscany, Italy, at the family villa, La Pietra, where he remained a central figure in cultural and academic circles until his death.
5 Interesting Facts about Harold Acton
1. Acton’s family wealth came from his father’s success in the Oriental art trade.
2. He served in the British Royal Air Force during World War II.
3. Acton was a close friend of writers like Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford.
4. His villa, La Pietra, was bequeathed to New York University and now serves as a center for academic studies.
5. Acton was openly gay, which was notable given the societal norms of his time.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Acton
1. “I have always lived my life as if I were in a novel.”
2. “To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization.”
3. “All the best stories are but one story in reality – the story of escape.”
4. “The secret to life is to appreciate the pleasure of being terribly, terribly deceived.”
5. “I have always been a lover of the curious and the strange.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his wealth, Harold Acton’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, largely due to his inheritance and property assets.
Children
Harold Acton did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Harold Acton – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Acton
2. [Biography of Harold Acton by NYU](https://lapietra.nyu.edu/harold-acton/
