Date of Birth: June 26, 1914
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: May 13, 1997
Biography
Laurie Lee was an acclaimed English poet, novelist, and screenwriter, born on June 26, 1914, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. He is best known for his autobiographical trilogy, which started with “Cider with Rosie” (1959), a vivid memoir of his childhood in rural England. His lyrical prose and evocative descriptions of the English countryside brought him widespread acclaim. Lee’s early years were marked by the absence of his father and the strong influence of his mother, who raised him and his siblings in a small village. After leaving school at 15, Lee pursued various jobs, from an office clerk to a violinist in a dance band, before embarking on a journey across Spain in the 1930s. This experience inspired his book “As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning” (1969), a poignant account of his adventures and the Spanish Civil War. Lee returned to England and contributed to the war effort during World War II by working for the Ministry of Information. Post-war, he continued to write poetry, essays, and screenplays, but it was his autobiographical works that secured his lasting legacy. Laurie Lee passed away on May 13, 1997, in his beloved Gloucestershire, leaving behind a rich literary heritage that continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
5 Interesting Facts about Laurie Lee
1. Laurie Lee’s book “Cider with Rosie” has been translated into over 20 languages.
2. He walked across Spain with just a violin and a few shillings in his pocket.
3. During World War II, Lee worked for the Ministry of Information, a crucial role in the British propaganda effort.
4. Lee was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1952 for his contributions to literature.
5. “Cider with Rosie” has been adapted for television multiple times, showcasing its enduring popularity.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Laurie Lee
1. “I was set down from the carrier’s cart at the age of three, and there with a sense of bewilderment and terror my life in the village began.”
2. “What she had in mind was not so much youth as a kind of tenderness.”
3. “The sun sets and I think of you, and your face that is ever before me.”
4. “The world is but a canvas to our imaginations.”
5. “Nothing ever happens to me, it merely happens around me.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Laurie Lee’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million, primarily derived from book sales and various adaptations of his works.
Children
Laurie Lee had one daughter, Jessy Lee, born in 1963. She has continued to preserve and promote her father’s literary legacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Laurie Lee on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Laurie-Lee
2. [Laurie Lee on Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/laurie-lee
4. [Laurie Lee – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0497147/
5. [Laurie Lee on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12520.Laurie_Lee
