Robert Harris
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Dennis Harris, commonly known as Robert Harris, is a renowned British author and journalist. His works have captivated readers worldwide, earning him a place among the most respected contemporary writers of historical fiction and thrillers.
Birth and Death Dates
Robert Harris was born on March 7, 1957. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Robert Harris is British by nationality. He has established himself as a prolific author and journalist, with a career spanning several decades. His expertise in weaving historical events into compelling narratives has made him a household name in the literary community.
Early Life and Background
Robert Harris was born in Nottingham, England, and grew up in a modest household. His father worked as a printer, and his mother was a teacher. From a young age, Harris exhibited a keen interest in history and storytelling, often immersing himself in books and writing. He attended King's School, Grantham, and later pursued higher education at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. His time at Cambridge was instrumental in shaping his literary aspirations, providing him with a solid foundation in the classics and honing his writing skills.
Major Accomplishments
Robert Harris's career is marked by numerous accomplishments, both as a journalist and an author. He began his professional journey in journalism, working for prominent publications such as the BBC, The Observer, and The Sunday Times. His insightful reporting and analytical prowess earned him recognition and respect in the field.
Transitioning to fiction, Harris achieved significant success with his debut novel, "Fatherland" (1992), a gripping alternate history thriller that imagines a world where Nazi Germany won World War II. The novel was a commercial and critical success, establishing Harris as a master of the genre. Over the years, he has published several bestsellers, including "Enigma", "Archangel", and the acclaimed Cicero Trilogy.
Notable Works or Actions
Robert Harris's bibliography is rich with notable works that have left an indelible mark on readers and critics alike. His novel "Pompeii" (2003) is a vivid reimagining of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, blending historical accuracy with thrilling narrative. The Cicero Trilogy, comprising "Imperium", "Lustrum", and "Dictator", offers a fascinating exploration of Roman politics through the eyes of the legendary orator Cicero.
Harris's ability to bring history to life is further exemplified in "An Officer and a Spy" (2013), a meticulously researched account of the Dreyfus Affair, which won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. His works often delve into themes of power, corruption, and the moral complexities of leadership, resonating with readers across generations.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Harris's impact on literature is profound, with his novels translated into multiple languages and adapted for film and television. His storytelling prowess and dedication to historical accuracy have set a high standard for historical fiction, inspiring a new generation of writers. Harris's work not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on pivotal moments in history and prompting readers to reflect on the past's influence on the present.
His legacy is further cemented by his contributions to journalism, where his incisive commentary and investigative reporting have informed public discourse on critical issues. Harris's dual career as a journalist and novelist underscores his versatility and commitment to truth, whether through factual reporting or fictional narratives.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Harris is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to craft narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. His quotes often reflect his keen understanding of human nature and the complexities of power dynamics. Readers and scholars frequently cite his insights into historical events and political intrigue, finding relevance in his observations about leadership, morality, and the human condition.
Harris's work continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection, offering timeless wisdom that transcends the boundaries of genre and era. His enduring influence on literature and journalism ensures that his voice remains a vital part of cultural and intellectual conversations.
Quotes by Robert Harris
Robert Harris's insights on:
One cannot see any world leader who has got a grip on the financial markets these days. They’re too big, too fast. I think that’s quite scary.
Against the alchemy of two naked bodies in a bed in the darkness, and against all the complex longings and attachments and commitments such intimacy might arouse, he had nothing with which to fight.
That so many people can derive so much pleasure from such a revolting spectacle,” he said to me when he returned home that night, “almost makes one doubt the very premise on which democracy is based.” But he was pleased nevertheless that the masses now thought of him as a good sport, as well as “the Scholar” and “the Greek.
The Spartan statesman Lycurgus, seven hundred years ago, is said to have observed: When falls on man the anger of the gods, First from his mind they banish understanding. Such was to be the fate of Caesar. I am sure Cicero was correct: he had gone mad. His success had made him vain, and his vanity had devoured his reason.
His theory of oratory, the exact opposite of the Asiatics’, was simple: don’t move about too much, hold your head straight, stick to the point, make ’em laugh, make ’em cry, and when you’ve won their sympathy, sit down quickly –.
So,” said Ruth, “how bad is it?” “You haven’t read it?” “Not all of it.” “Well,” I said, politely, “it needs some work.” “How much?” The words “Hiroshima” and “nineteen forty-five” floated briefly into my mind. “It’s fixable,” I said, which I suppose it was: even Hiroshima was fixed eventually.
What fascinates people isn’t policy- who cares about policy? What fascinates people is always people- the detail of another person’s life.
History has always fascinated me. As Cicero himself once wrote: ‘To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?’ I quickly forgot the cold and could have spent all day happily unwinding that roll, poring over the events of more than sixty years before.