Evelyn Waugh: The Later Years, 1939-1966

Readers who have been eagerly awaiting the second and concluding volume of Stannard's biography of British writer Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966) will not be disappointed. As exhaustively detailed as Evelyn Waugh: The Early Years, this study deals with Waugh in middle age, from his undistinguished experience as an army officer during WW II through the writing of some of his best-known works: Brides head Revisited (1945), The Loved One (1948) and The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold (1957). Relying on letters and other primary sources, Stannard gives us insight into Waugh's life as a husband and father. He treated his understanding and resilient second wife, Laura, with neglect and dictatorial disregard for her feelings. His children took second place to his self-absorption, although his guilt over his personal failures was severe. He remained a committed Roman Catholic, frequently exhorting his friends to follow his example. An excellent portrait of a selfish, reactionary snob who was redeemed by his talent, his self-awareness and his frequent bursts of charity. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Sept.)