Date of Birth: April 29, 1946
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: January 4, 2005
Biography
Humphrey Carpenter was an esteemed English biographer, author, and radio broadcaster, best known for his insightful biographies of prominent literary figures. Born into a literary family, Carpenter’s father was Harry Carpenter, an editor and author. Humphrey was educated at the Dragon School and Keble College, Oxford. His literary career was marked by a deep understanding and appreciation for the subjects he chose to write about, notably J.R.R. Tolkien, whom he knew personally, and The Inklings literary group. Carpenter’s biography of Tolkien, published in 1977, remains one of the most authoritative sources on the life of the legendary author. He also wrote biographies of W.H. Auden, Ezra Pound, and Robert Runcie, among others. His work extended beyond biographies; he authored children’s books and created radio documentaries, showcasing his versatility as a writer and broadcaster.
5 Interesting Facts about Humphrey Carpenter
1. Humphrey Carpenter was the official biographer for J.R.R. Tolkien, who he personally knew.
2. He founded the Mushy Pea Theatre Group in 1983, highlighting his passion for the performing arts.
3. Carpenter’s biography of W.H. Auden won the Duff Cooper Memorial Prize in 1981.
4. He was a prolific children’s author, with notable works such as the “Mr. Majeika” series.
5. Carpenter also worked as a broadcaster for BBC Radio 3, creating numerous documentaries and radio programs.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Humphrey Carpenter
1. “A biography is like a handshake down the years, that can be warm or cold, firm or weak.”
2. “The best biographers are those who have an innate sense of curiosity and a passion for their subject.”
3. “Writing about someone else’s life is an exercise in empathy and understanding.”
4. “To know another human being is to engage with their joys, sorrows, and complexities.”
5. “A good biographer must be a detective, a historian, and above all, a storyteller.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Humphrey Carpenter’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Humphrey Carpenter had two daughters, named Charley and Sophia Carpenter, with his wife, Mari Prichard, whom he married in 1973.
Relevant Links
1. [Humphrey Carpenter on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_Carpenter
4. [Mr. Majeika Series on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/series/69421-mr-majeika
