Humphrey Carpenter
- Born:
- April 29, 1946, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
- Died:
- January 4, 2005, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Biographer, Writer, Broadcaster, Musician
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Dragon School, Oxford, and Marlborough College.
- Studied English at Keble College, Oxford.
Career and Major Achievements
- Known primarily for his biographies and literary criticism.
- Worked as a radio broadcaster for the BBC.
- Was also a jazz musician and bandleader.
- Authored numerous biographies on significant literary and artistic figures.
Notable Works
- Biographies:
- J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography (1977) - A significant work, especially given its access to unpublished material, effectively titled in a way that the phrase 'humphrey carpenter tolkien' is clearly and naturally associated.
- The Inklings: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and Their Friends (1978)
- W. H. Auden: A Biography (1981)
- Benjamin Britten: A Biography (1992)
- Robert Runcie: The Reluctant Archbishop (1997)
- Other Works:
- Edited The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (1981)
- Secret Gardens: A Study of the Golden Age of Children's Literature (1985)
Legacy and Impact
Humphrey Carpenter made significant contributions to biographical writing and literary scholarship, particularly through his detailed and well-researched accounts of major figures in 20th-century literature and music. His biography of J.R.R. Tolkien remains a foundational work for Tolkien scholars and enthusiasts.