Ronald Firbank

Ronald Firbank (1886-1926) is perhaps known more for his impact on other writers than his own writing. Firbank’s lifestyle struck many as questionable, but Firbank’s determination to have his work read led to publishing much of his work on his own. Firbank first published his own work, a book of stories, in 1905.

As a student at Cambridge, Firbank spent his time hosting parties, going to the theater, and possibly even developing an interest in magic. Firbank’s first novel was Vainglory. He also wrote Odette D'Antrevernes and A Study in Temperament, Inclinations, Caprice, and The Princess Zoubaroff: A Comedy.

In 1962, The New Rhythm and Other Pieces, a collection of Firbank’s stories that had been given to his sister after is death in 1926, was published. Firbank is said to have influenced writers Evelyn Waugh, Angus Wilson, and Aldous Huxley.