j.b. priestley
J.B. Priestley: A Life of Drama and Social Commentary
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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John Boynton Priestley was born on September 13, 1894, in Bradford, England. He is often referred to as J.B. Priestley or simply Priestley.
Birth and Death Dates
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September 13, 1894 - August 14, 1984
Nationality and Profession(s)
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British playwright, novelist, journalist, broadcaster, and politician. Priestley was a multifaceted individual with a wide range of interests and talents.
Early Life and Background
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Priestley's early life was marked by both hardship and creativity. His father, John Boothman Priestley, was a schoolteacher who struggled to make ends meet. The family moved frequently during Priestley's childhood, which may have contributed to his later experiences of dislocation and disorientation.
As a young boy, Priestley developed a passion for writing and reading. He was particularly drawn to the works of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose influence can be seen in much of his own work. After completing his education at Bradford Grammar School, Priestley began working as a journalist and playwright.
Major Accomplishments
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Priestley's most notable accomplishments include:
Writing over 100 plays, including _An Inspector Calls_, _The Daylight Patent_, and _Dangerous Corner_
Publishing numerous novels, such as _Benighted_ and _Angel Pavement_
Developing the concept of "radiophonic drama" with the BBC
Serving in World War I and experiencing the trauma of trench warfare
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Priestley's most notable works include:
An Inspector Calls: a play that critiques social class and responsibility, first performed in 1945
I Have Been Here Before: a novel that explores themes of reincarnation and personal growth, published in 1937
The Linden Tree: a drama that examines the experiences of working-class people during World War I, first performed in 1947Impact and Legacy
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Priestley's impact on British theatre and literature is still felt today. His plays continue to be performed and studied around the world, and his novels remain popular among readers.
As a social commentator, Priestley was ahead of his time. He tackled topics such as class inequality, racism, and the role of technology in society, often using satire and drama to make complex issues more accessible to a broad audience.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Priestley's quotes are widely used because they offer insights into his views on social responsibility, personal growth, and the human condition. His writing continues to be relevant today, offering commentary on issues such as:
The importance of empathy and understanding in building a more just society
The need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions
The impact of technology on human relationships and experiences
In conclusion, J.B. Priestley was a multifaceted individual with a wide range of talents and interests. His writing continues to be widely read and performed today, offering insights into social issues that remain relevant in the modern world.
Quotes by j.b. priestley
The Canadian is often a baffled man because he feels different from his British kindred and his American neighbours, sharply refused to be lumped together with either of them, yet cannot make plain his difference.
Our dourest parsons, who followed the nonconformist fashion of long extemporary prayers, always seemed to me to be bent on bullying God.
A lot of men who have accepted – or had imposed upon them in boyhood – the old English public school styles of careful modesty in speech, with much understatement, have behind their masks an appalling and impregnable conceit of themselves.
If there is one thing left that I would like to do, it’s to write something really beautiful. And I could do it, you know. I could still do it.
The most lasting reputation I have is for an almost ferocious aggressiveness, when in fact I am amiable, indulgent, affectionate, shy and rather timid at heart.
Production goes up and up because high pressure advertising and salesmanship constantly create new needs that must be satisfied: this is Admass- a consumer’s race with donkeys chasing an electric carrot.
In spite of recent jazzed-up one-day matches, cricket to be fully appreciated demands leisure, some sunny warm days and an understanding of its finer points.
I’m in the business of providing people with secondary satisfactions. It wouldn’t have done me much good if they had all written their own plays, would it?
If there was a little room somewhere in the British Museum that contained only about twenty exhibits and good lighting, easy chairs, and a notice imploring you to smoke, I believe I should become a museum man.