J. B. Priestley

Date of Birth: September 13, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 14, 1984

Biography

John Boynton Priestley, commonly known as J. B. Priestley, was an English novelist, playwright, screenwriter, broadcaster, and social commentator. Born on September 13, 1894, in Bradford, England, Priestley became one of the most versatile and prolific writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his plays, particularly “An Inspector Calls,” which remains a staple of British literature and theatre. Priestley served in the British Army during World War I, and the traumatic experiences he endured significantly influenced his later work. After the war, he attended Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and began a career in writing. His output spanned numerous genres, from novels and plays to essays and social criticism. In the 1930s, Priestley became a prominent public figure, using his platform to address social issues. During World War II, he gained further national fame through his BBC radio broadcasts, known as “Postscripts,” which provided morale-boosting commentary to a war-weary British public. Priestley’s work often explored themes of time, social inequality, and the moral responsibilities of individuals and society. His prolific career continued until his death on August 14, 1984, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and social contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about J. B. Priestley

1. J. B. Priestley was a founding member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

2. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1977, one of the highest honors in the UK.

3. “An Inspector Calls” is considered one of the greatest plays of the 20th century and is frequently studied in British schools.

4. Priestley wrote more than 50 novels and 20 plays throughout his career.

5. He was a passionate advocate for social justice and often criticized the class system in Britain.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from J. B. Priestley

1. “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”

2. “The more we elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.”

3. “Public opinion polls are rather like children in a garden, digging things up all the time to see how they’re growing.”

4. “To show a child what once delighted you, to find the child’s delight added to your own – this is happiness.”

5. “I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not readily available, J. B. Priestley’s net worth at the peak of his career was substantial, thanks to his successful plays, novels, and other writings, as well as his public appearances and broadcasts.

Children

J. B. Priestley had three children with his first wife, Emily Tempest: two daughters, Barbara and Sylvia, and a son, Tom. He also had a son, David, with his second wife, Jane Wyndham Lewis.