Alec Waugh

Born in London on July 8, 1898, Alec Waugh was the eldest son of publisher and critic Arthur Waugh and the older brother of novelist Evelyn Waugh. He first became famous while still very young when The Loom of Youth (1917), a novel based on school life, caused a stir for its frank treatment of public-school culture.

Waugh served in the First World War, and that experience stayed with him. Over the decades he published more than 50 books, including novels, memoirs, biographies, and travel writing. His work ranged widely, but readers often noted his interest in society, manners, and the places he visited.

He continued writing for many years and remained a recognizable literary figure well beyond his early success. Alec Waugh died on September 3, 1981. He is remembered both as a prolific author in his own right and as part of the remarkable Waugh literary family.