Who Is Doris Lessing? Age, Biography and Wiki
Doris Lessing was born on October 22, 1919, and passed away on November 17, 2013, leaving behind a significant literary legacy. Known primarily for her groundbreaking novels, Lessing's work often reflected her insights into social, political, and feminist issues. Her literary contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007. In 2025, her influence continues to resonate in literary circles, making her an important figure in modern literature.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1919 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | Kermanshah, Persia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 17 November, 2013 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
Doris Lessing's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific measurements for Doris Lessing are not prominently documented, she was known to have had a petite stature, which was common among individuals of her generation. Lessing was more recognized for her intellectual depth and literary prowess than her physical appearance.
During the late-1990s Lessing had a stroke, which stopped her from travelling during her later years. She was still able to attend the theatre and opera. She began to focus her mind on death, for example asking herself if she would have time to finish a new book.
She died on 17 November 2013, aged 94, at her home in West Hampstead, London, of kidney failure, sepsis and a chest infection, predeceased by her two sons, but was survived by her daughter, Jean, who lives in South Africa.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Doris Lessing's personal life was intricate and often reflected in her writing. She was married twice: first to Gottfried Lessing, with whom she had two children, and later to her second husband, Gerald E. M. Lessing. Throughout her life, she had various relationships outside of marriage, including affairs that inspired parts of her novels. By the time of her passing in 2013, she was widely regarded as a fiercely independent woman who prioritized her writing and passions over traditional norms.
Her father, who had lost a leg during his service in World War I, met his future wife, a nurse, at the Royal Free Hospital in London where he was recovering from his amputation. The couple moved to Persia, for Alfred to take a job as a clerk for the Imperial Bank of Persia.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Doris Lessing’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million. As a celebrated author, her literary works contributed significantly to her wealth, with many titles still in print and generating royalties. Additionally, her essays, plays, and translations further diversified her income.
Career, Business and Investments
Doris Lessing's writing career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1940s with the publication of her first novel, "The Grass is Singing." Over the years, she published over 50 novels, essays, and short stories, with notable works including "The Golden Notebook" and "The Martha Quest." Lessing's unique perspective on politics, gender, and society was a hallmark of her writing, and her books often sparked conversation and controversy.
In addition to her literary endeavors, Lessing engaged in various collaborative projects and was known for her outspoken views on numerous social issues. Though not primarily a businesswoman, her literary acumen and public presence also paved avenues for speaking engagements and literary festivals.
As a girl Doris was educated first at the Dominican Convent High School, a Roman Catholic convent all-girls school in the Southern Rhodesian capital of Salisbury (now Harare). Then followed a year at Girls High School in Salisbury. She left school at age 13 and was self-educated from then on. She left home at 15 and worked as a nursemaid.
She started reading material that her employer gave her on politics and sociology and began writing around this time.
Social Network
Doris Lessing was not heavily involved in social media. However, her works and influence are widely discussed on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and literary blogs. Fans and scholars alike continue to celebrate her contributions to literature, often using hashtags related to her notable works and the impact she had on feminist literature.
Lessing's Canopus sequence received a mixed reception from mainstream literary critics.
John Leonard praised her 1980 novel The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five in The New York Times, but in 1982 John Leonard wrote in reference to The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 that "[o]ne of the many sins for which the 20th century will be held accountable is that it has discouraged Mrs. Lessing...
She now propagandises on behalf of our insignificance in the cosmic razzmatazz", to which Lessing replied: "What they didn't realise was that in science fiction is some of the best social fiction of our time. I also admire the classic sort of science fiction, like Blood Music, by Greg Bear.
He's a great writer." She attended the 1987 World Science Fiction Convention as its Writer Guest of Honor. Here she made a speech in which she described her dystopian novel Memoirs of a Survivor as "an attempt at an autobiography".
Education
Lessing grew up in what is now Zimbabwe, where she attended a local school before moving to England at the age of 30. Her educational journey was somewhat unconventional; she was an avid reader and self-taught enthusiast regarding various subjects, from literature to politics. Her unique perspective on education and knowledge became evident in her writing, showcasing her belief in the power of story and personal experience.
The Doris Lessing Society is dedicated to supporting the scholarly study of Lessing's work. The formal structure of the Society dates from January 1977, when the first issue of the Doris Lessing Newsletter was published. In 2002 the Newsletter became the academic journal Doris Lessing Studies.
The Society also organises panels at the Modern Languages Association (MLA) annual Conventions and has held two international conferences in New Orleans in 2004 and Leeds in 2007.
