Simon Raven

Date of Birth: December 28, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: May 12, 2001

Biography

Simon Raven was an English novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, renowned for his satirical and often controversial works. Born in London, Raven was educated at Charterhouse School and King’s College, Cambridge. After serving as an officer in the British Army during World War II, he turned to writing, producing a prolific body of work that includes novels, short stories, plays, and television scripts. His most famous work is the ten-novel sequence “Alms for Oblivion,” which offers a scathing critique of post-war British society. Raven was known for his sharp wit, iconoclastic views, and often scandalous lifestyle. His literary contributions have been celebrated for their incisive social commentary and elegant prose.

5 Interesting Facts about Simon Raven

1. Simon Raven was expelled from Charterhouse School for “indecent behavior.”

2. He served in the King’s Own Shropshire Light Infantry during World War II.

3. Raven wrote the screenplay for the popular TV adaptation of “The Pallisers” in the 1970s.

4. He was a noted gambler and often wrote about his experiences in various articles and books.

5. Despite his controversial lifestyle, he was a prolific writer, producing over 30 novels and numerous screenplays.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Simon Raven

1. “When in doubt, choose to live.”

2. “Gentlemen, you are in the hands of a very wicked man.”

3. “The purpose of life is to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have it make some difference that we lived at all.”

4. “A man should never refuse to accept a drink, for it is a sign of politeness, and a gentleman should always be polite.”

5. “Writers should be read but not seen. Rarely are they a winsome sight.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Simon Raven’s net worth was estimated to be around £1 million, though much of it was lost due to his extravagant lifestyle and gambling habits.