Wilfrid Sheed

Date of Birth: December 27, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 19, 2011

Biography

Wilfrid John Joseph Sheed was an Anglo-American novelist, essayist, and critic, known for his sharp wit and keen observations on American culture and society. Born in London, Sheed moved to the United States during his youth and spent much of his life between the two countries. He was the son of Frank Sheed and Maisie Ward, both noted Catholic authors and publishers. Wilfrid Sheed attended Downside School in England and then entered Lincoln College, Oxford, where he graduated with a degree in History. He later earned a law degree from Columbia University. Sheed’s literary career began with the publication of his first novel, “A Middle Class Education,” in 1961. Over the years, he authored several acclaimed works, including “Office Politics” (1966), “People Will Always Be Kind” (1973), and “Max Jamison” (1970), which is often hailed as his magnum opus. In addition to his novels, Sheed was a prolific essayist and critic, contributing to various prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Harper’s, and The Atlantic. Sheed’s writing is characterized by its satirical edge and deep introspection, often exploring themes of identity, faith, and the absurdities of modern life. Despite facing numerous health challenges throughout his life, including polio and cancer, Sheed continued to write with vigor and passion until his death. He passed away on January 19, 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Wilfrid Sheed

1. Wilfrid Sheed was stricken with polio at the age of 15, which significantly impacted his health but did not deter his literary ambitions.

2. He was a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States, reflecting his transatlantic upbringing and career.

3. Sheed won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1974 for his novel “Max Jamison.”

4. He was known for his sharp, satirical style, often compared to that of Evelyn Waugh and Kingsley Amis.

5. In addition to his novels, Sheed wrote several memoirs, including “In Love with Daylight: A Memoir of Recovery” (1995), which detailed his battle with cancer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wilfrid Sheed

1. “Life is raw material. We are artisans. We can sculpt our existence into something beautiful, or debase it into ugliness. It’s in our hands.”

2. “People hate as they love, unreasonably.”

3. “The American writer, for all his locals, is probably the most isolated writer in world literature.”

4. “The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms.”

5. “Reading is an escape, an education, a reflection, and a challenge.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Wilfrid Sheed’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but he was a respected and successful author whose works garnered significant critical acclaim and readership.