Morris West

Date of Birth: April 26, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: October 9, 1999

Biography

Morris West was an acclaimed Australian writer best known for his novels that often explored themes of religion, politics, and the human condition. Born on April 26, 1916, in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia, West’s career spanned over five decades, during which he published 30 novels and sold over 70 million copies worldwide. His works have been translated into 28 languages and several have been adapted for film and television. West was a deeply philosophical writer, often drawing on his experiences and observations of the world to create compelling narratives. West’s early education was at Christian Brothers College, East St Kilda, and he later enrolled in the University of Melbourne but left before completing his degree. He joined the Christian Brothers as a novice but left before taking his final vows. During World War II, he served in the Australian Army and later in the diplomatic service, which provided him with rich material for his writing. His first major success came with “Children of the Sun” in 1957, a non-fiction work about the street children of Naples. However, it was his novel “The Devil’s Advocate” (1959) that brought him international acclaim, winning the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and being adapted into a successful film. Subsequent novels like “The Shoes of the Fisherman” (1963), “The Ambassador” (1965), and “The Clowns of God” (1981) cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. West received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of Australia in 1985 for his contributions to literature. He continued to write until his death on October 9, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of thought-provoking and enduring literary works.

5 Interesting Facts about Morris West

1. Morris West’s novel “The Shoes of the Fisherman” was published just days before the election of Pope Paul VI, which made its plot about the election of a Slavic Pope seem remarkably prescient.

2. West’s books have sold over 70 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 28 languages.

3. He left the Christian Brothers before taking his final vows, a decision that profoundly influenced his writing.

4. West served in the Australian Army during World War II and later worked in the diplomatic service.

5. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1985 for his significant contribution to literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Morris West

1. “If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.”

2. “It costs so much to be a full human being that there are very few who have the enlightenment or the courage to pay the price.”

3. “There are no friends more inseparable than pride and hardness of heart, humility and love, falsehood and impudence, truth and meekness.”

4. “The trouble with life is that you can only live it forward but understand it backward.”

5. “Every man who has a belief is bound to communicate it to others, and it is only by such communication that progress is made.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Morris West’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to the commercial success of his novels and their adaptations.

Children

Morris West had four children from his first marriage to Elizabeth Harvey: Patricia, Michael, Mary, and Paul. He later married Joy West and had two more children: Christopher and Catherine.