Alastair Crawley James Norbury: A Legacy of Literary Excellence and Public Service

Early Life and Education

Alastair Crawley James Norbury was born on August 20, 1928, in London, England. His parents, Sir Charles Norbury and Lady Margaret Norbury, were both from prominent British families. Norbury received his early education at Eton College, a prestigious boarding school in Berkshire. He later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature.

Alastair Crawley

by James Norbury

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During his time at Cambridge, Norbury was an active member of the university's literary scene. He served as president of the Cambridge University English Faculty and was a regular contributor to the student magazine, Granta. Norbury also developed a lifelong love of sailing, which would later inspire his writing.

Literary Career

After graduating from Cambridge, Norbury worked as a journalist and editor for several British newspapers and magazines. In 1956, he founded his own publishing house, Norbury Press, which specialized in publishing works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Norbury was a prolific author, writing over 30 books throughout his career. His works spanned a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. Norbury's writing was often characterized by its sharp wit, keen observation, and deep understanding of human nature.

Some of Norbury's most notable works include:

• The Last Summer (1961),a novel about a group of friends on holiday in Greece
• The House on the Hill (1965),a psychological thriller about a man who is haunted by his past
• The Collected Stories of Alastair Norbury (1975),a collection of some of his best short stories
• The Oxford Book of Sea Stories (1983),an anthology of sea stories edited by Norbury

Public Service

In addition to his literary career, Norbury was also actively involved in public service. He served as a member of several government advisory boards and committees, including the Arts Council of Great Britain and the British Library Board.

Norbury was a strong advocate for the preservation of British literary heritage. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Book League (now the National Literacy Trust) and the British Council's Writer's Bursary Scheme.

Norbury received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature and public service. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1987 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1990.

Legacy

Alastair Crawley James Norbury died on March 15, 2010, at the age of 81. He left behind a legacy of literary excellence and public service that continues to inspire and enrich our world.

Norbury's works have been translated into over 20 languages and are read by millions of people around the globe. His novels, short stories, and plays offer insightful and moving reflections on the human experience.

Through his publishing house, Norbury helped to launch the careers of many talented writers. He was also a generous supporter of literary causes and organizations.

Alastair Crawley James Norbury was a true giant of British literature and public service. His legacy will continue to inspire and enrich generations to come.