Joyce Cary Quotes

A collection of quotes by Joyce Cary.

Joyce Cary (1888-1957) was an Anglo-Irish writer known for his novels and short stories. He was born on December 7, 1888, in Derry, Northern Ireland. Cary spent his formative years in England and was educated at Clifton College, Oxford.

During World War I, Cary served in the Red Cross in Nigeria, which greatly influenced his later writings. He developed a deep appreciation for African culture and frequently incorporated African themes into his works. After the war, he joined the British Colonial Service and held various administrative positions in Nigeria, becoming a district commissioner in 1920.

In 1932, Cary resigned from his service and dedicated himself to writing full-time. He published his first novel, "Aissa Saved," in 1932, which was well-received. However, it was his subsequent trilogy, "Herself Surprised" (1941), "To Be a Pilgrim" (1942), and "The Horse's Mouth" (1944), that brought him significant acclaim. "The Horse's Mouth" is considered his masterwork and features the memorable character of Gulley Jimson, an irreverent and eccentric artist.

Cary's writings often explored themes of personal freedom and integrity, with a distinctive blend of wit and satire. His works received critical praise, and he received multiple literary awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. Cary continued to write prolifically until his death on March 29, 1957, in Oxford, England, leaving behind a legacy of inspired storytelling examining the nuances of the human condition.