Ronald Firbank

Date of Birth: January 17, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: May 21, 1926

Biography

Arthur Annesley Ronald Firbank, commonly known as Ronald Firbank, was an innovative British novelist known for his highly stylized and witty prose. Born into an affluent family, Firbank was the son of Sir Thomas Firbank, a Member of Parliament, and Lady Firbank. His upbringing was privileged, but he was often plagued by ill health, which influenced his literary career. Firbank attended public schools and later Cambridge University, where his eccentric personality began to flourish. He left Cambridge without a degree and started writing novels and short stories that were characterized by their unique structure and flamboyant characters. His works often explored themes of decadence, religion, and social satire. Some of his most notable works include “Vainglory” (1915), “Inclinations” (1916), “Caprice” (1917), “Valmouth” (1919), and “Concerning the Eccentricities of Cardinal Pirelli” (1926). Despite his relatively brief life, Firbank’s influence on modernist literature is significant, with his work being cited as an influence by authors such as Evelyn Waugh and E.M. Forster. Firbank’s personal life was as colorful as his writing. He was openly homosexual at a time when it was socially and legally taboo in Britain. His health continued to deteriorate throughout his life, leading to his early death at the age of 40.

5 Interesting Facts about Ronald Firbank

1. Ronald Firbank wrote most of his novels while traveling across Europe and North Africa.

2. He was known for his eccentric lifestyle, often wearing extravagant clothes and living in opulent settings.

3. Firbank’s work was ahead of its time, incorporating elements of camp and surrealism long before they became mainstream.

4. Despite his wealth, Firbank often lived in relative isolation due to his health and social preferences.

5. He was a contemporary of other famous British writers such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, though his work remained quite unique.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ronald Firbank

1. “The world is disgracefully managed, one hardly knows to whom to complain.”

2. “I am growing to love the stars so much that I shall never fear the night again.”

3. “There is always time to add a word, never to withdraw one.”

4. “I can’t bear to be present at my own life, I would rather be absent.”

5. “The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ronald Firbank’s highest net worth is difficult to quantify precisely due to the nature of his wealth, which was inherited and tied up in family estates. However, it is estimated that his wealth would have been equivalent to several million pounds in today’s money.