Philip Guedalla

Date of Birth: March 12, 1889

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 16, 1944

Biography

Philip Guedalla was an esteemed British historian, biographer, and essayist, born on March 12, 1889. He was widely known for his witty and engaging writing style, which brought historical figures and events to life for his readers. Guedalla was educated at the prestigious Rugby School and later at Balliol College, Oxford, where he excelled academically. After completing his education, he pursued a career in law but soon found his true calling in writing and history. Guedalla’s works mainly focused on British political and social history, and he penned several notable biographies, including those of the Duke of Wellington and Benjamin Disraeli. His biographical works were characterized by meticulous research and a flair for narrative, making them both informative and entertaining. Apart from his writing career, Guedalla was also active in politics. He ran for Parliament as a Liberal candidate several times but was never elected. Despite this, he remained a prominent public intellectual and commentator throughout his life. Guedalla passed away on December 16, 1944, leaving behind a legacy of influential historical writings that continue to be admired for their insight and literary quality.

5 Interesting Facts about Philip Guedalla

1. Philip Guedalla was a member of the liberal political party and ran for Parliament multiple times, though he was never elected.

2. His biography of Benjamin Disraeli is considered one of his most significant works and remains a classic in the field.

3. Guedalla was known for his sharp wit and often included humorous observations in his historical writings.

4. He was a contemporary of notable historians such as Lytton Strachey and shared the same narrative style that combined rigorous scholarship with engaging prose.

5. Despite his unsuccessful political career, Guedalla’s speeches and writings influenced public opinion and political thought in early 20th century Britain.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Philip Guedalla

1. “History repeats itself. Historians repeat each other.”

2. “Success is a matter of adjusting one’s efforts to obstacles and one’s abilities to a service needed by others.”

3. “People who jump to conclusions rarely alight on them.”

4. “Biography, like big game hunting, is one of the recognized forms of sport, and it is as unfair as only sport can be.”

5. “An Englishman is a person who does things because they have been done before. An American is a person who does things because they haven’t been done before.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Philip Guedalla’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was known to have lived comfortably due to his successful writing career and family wealth.