Stella Gibbons
Stella Gibbons
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Stella Dora Lucy Humpston Gibbons was a British novelist, journalist, and poet.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 5, 1902, in London, England; passed away on December 19, 1989, at the age of 87.
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, Novelist, Journalist, Poet
Stella Gibbons was a multifaceted writer who excelled in various genres. Her most notable contributions were as a novelist, with her works often incorporating elements of satire, comedy, and social commentary.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of modest means, Stella was the daughter of George Humpston, an insurance clerk, and Lucy Gibbons. Her early life was marked by a love for reading and writing. The family's relocation to Richmond in Surrey during her childhood exposed Stella to a more affluent environment, which would later influence her writing.
Gibbons' education began at the Richmond County High School for Girls, where she developed a passion for literature. She then attended Bedford College in London, pursuing degrees in English Language and Literature. Her academic achievements earned her a position as an assistant editor at _The Sunday Express_.
Major Accomplishments
Stella Gibbons is best known for her novel Cold Comfort Farm, first published in 1932. This work not only catapulted her to literary fame but also demonstrated her mastery of satire and social commentary. The novel's blend of humor, irony, and critique of rural life resonated with readers, making it a significant contribution to British literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Gibbons' notable works include:
Cold Comfort Farm (1932)
Night Children (1937)
The Matchmaker (1946)
Her writing style, often described as witty and insightful, allowed her to explore various themes, such as social class, relationships, and personal growth.
Impact and Legacy
Stella Gibbons' impact on British literature is undeniable. Her works not only provided a unique perspective on rural life but also paved the way for future generations of writers. Her influence can be seen in authors who followed in her footsteps, tackling similar themes with their own brand of wit and satire.
The Cold Comfort Farm series, which includes Return to Cold Comfort Farm, has become a staple in British literature. The novel's enduring popularity is a testament to Gibbons' ability to craft stories that continue to captivate readers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stella Gibbons is remembered for her:
Insightful commentary on social class and rural life
Unique blend of humor, satire, and wit in her writing style
Ability to tackle complex themes with a light touch
* Prolific output as a novelist, journalist, and poet
Quotes by Stella Gibbons
In fact, she behaved like most of us do when in love; she never thought of her beloved as a human being at all, but only as an image upon which to drape dreams.
It is rather frightening to be able to write so revoltingly, yet so successfully. All these letters are works of art, except, perhaps, the last. They are positively oily.
Where are you flying off to?′ inquired Viola, rather sulkily; few sights are more annoying when we feel lazy than that of somebody bounding upstairs.
His young man’s limbs, sleek in their dark male pride, seemed to disdain the covering offered them by the brief shorts and striped jersey. His body might have been naked, like his full, muscled throat, which rose, round and proud as the male organ of a flower, from the neck of his sweater.
Coward! Liar! Libertine! Who were you with last night? Moll at the mill or Violet at the vicarage? Or Ivy, perhaps, at the ironmongery?
But she had a lively acquaintaince with confinement through the works of women novelists, especially those of the unmarried ones.
There you are, you see. It’s no use. You’ve chosen to be a married person. You mustn’t expect to lead the life of a bachelor.’ ‘But.
The flies buzzed in answer above the dirty water standing in the washbasin, in which floated a solitary black hair. It, too, was like life – and as meaningless.
Mrs Smiling’s character was firm and her tastes civilized. Her method of dealing with wayward human nature when it insisted on obtruding its grossness upon her scheme of life was short and effective; she pretended things were not so: and usually, after a time, they were not. Christian Science is perhaps a larger organization, but seldom so successful.