The British writer David Lodge, renowned for his works marked with humor and satire, has died at the age of 89, his publishing house Penguin Random House announced this Friday, January 3. “His contribution to literary culture has been immense, both through his criticism and through his iconic novels that are already considered classics,” said Liz Foley, his editor.
An incisive pen in the service of academic satire
David Lodge is best known for his famous “campus trilogy”, consisting of Change of scenery (1975), A very small world (1984) et Board game (1988). These novels, inspired by his own experience as a literature professor, offer a biting and humorous critique of academia.
It features two emblematic characters: the Englishman Phillip Swallow and the American Morris Zapp, two professors confronted with the cultural contrasts between their respective countries. The first volume of this trilogy earned him the prestigious Hawthornden Prize, recognizing his literary talent and attracting the attention of television, which adapted some of his works.
Born on January 28, 1935 in the southern suburbs of London, David Lodge grew up in a modest environment, far from academic circles. Yet his exceptional talent led him to University College London, where he studied literature. In 1960 he began a teaching career at the University of Birmingham, where he remained until his retirement. The same year, he published his first novel, The Picturegoersfollowed by Ginger, you’re barmy (1962), which subtly depicts the absurd aspects of British society.
A varied and universally appreciated work
In addition to his trilogy, Lodge has also explored other themes with novels such as Therapy (1995), where he attacks the media elite, particularly television. His deadpan humor and his talent for depicting the absurdities of life won over a wide audience, both in Great Britain and abroad, particularly in France where he was particularly appreciated. His latest work, Succeed, more or lessthe third part of his autobiography, was published in 2023, offering a final look at his life and career.
David Lodge leaves behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and delight generations of readers. His children expressed their pride in a statement, emphasizing “the pleasure that his works of fiction have brought to so many people”. With his inimitable style and sharp eye, David Lodge will remain one of the great figures of contemporary British literature.
