author
Francis Hackett
1883–1962
An Irish-born critic, novelist, and biographer, he brought sharp intelligence and lively storytelling to both literature and history. He is especially remembered for his widely read biography of Henry VIII and for writing about politics, culture, and Irish life with equal energy.
1 Audiobook
The Invisible Censor
by Francis Hackett
About the author
Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1883, Francis Hackett moved to the United States as a young man and built a varied career as a journalist, editor, novelist, and literary critic. Early in his American life he spent time at Hull-House in Chicago, where he taught English to immigrants, and he later became known for his outspoken cultural criticism.
Hackett wrote fiction as well as history and biography, but his reputation rests most strongly on his nonfiction. His best-known book is Henry the Eighth, a major biography noted for its research and readable style. Over the years he also wrote about Ireland, public affairs, and prominent historical figures, combining a critic’s eye with a storyteller’s sense of drama.
He died in 1962, leaving behind a body of work that helped connect literary criticism, history, and public debate. For listeners who enjoy authors with a strong point of view and a gift for making the past feel alive, his work still has a clear appeal.