Who Is Lawrence Durrell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lawrence Durrell was born on February 27, 1912, in Jullundur, British India, and passed away on November 7, 1990. He remained an influential figure in British literature, known for his engaging prose and exploration of various cultures through his writing. Durrell’s most famous works include The Alexandria Quartet and Justine, which showcase his distinctive narrative style and deep philosophical insights.
In 2025, Durrell’s literary contributions continue to inspire new generations of readers, and his works are widely studied in academic circles. His exploration of themes such as love, politics, and the complexities of the human experience resonate with audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Playwright |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1912 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Jalandhar, Punjab, British India |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 7 November, 1990 |
| Died Place | Sommières, France |
Popularity
Lawrence Durrell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on Lawrence Durrell's height and weight are not extensively documented, his commanding presence and charisma are often noted in accounts of his life. Due to varying sources, the exact measurements remain elusive in contemporary discussions. His personal style and physical demeanor contributed to the persona he portrayed in literary communities.
As The Guardian reported in 2002, Durrell in 1966 was "one of the best selling, most celebrated English novelists of the late 20th century" and "at the height of his fame". Denied the normal citizenship right to enter or settle in Britain, Durrell had to apply for a visa for each entry. Diplomats were outraged and embarrassed at these events.
"Sir Patrick Reilly, the ambassador in Paris, was so incensed that he wrote to his Foreign Office superiors: 'I venture to suggest it might be wise to ensure that ministers, both in the Foreign Office and the Home Office, are aware that one of our greatest living writers in the English language is being debarred from the citizenship of the United K
ingdom to which he is entitled.'"
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lawrence Durrell was married multiple times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Nancy Durrell in 1935, followed by subsequent marriages to Ava Aldrich and finally, Lee Durrell. He had four children from these relationships, solidifying his family legacy. Durrell's relationships often influenced his writing, as he drew inspiration from the dynamics of love and companionship in his works.
In 2025, discussions about Durrell’s romantic relationships often highlight how they intertwine with his prose, creating multidimensional narratives that reflect both personal and universal themes.
Born in India to British colonial parents, he was sent to England at the age of 11 for his education. He did not like formal education, and started writing poetry at the age of 15. His first book was published in 1935, when he was 23 years old. In March 1935 he and his mother and younger siblings moved to the island of Corfu. Durrell spent many years thereafter living around the world.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Lawrence Durrell passed away in 1990, estimates suggest his net worth at the time of his death could have been in the range of several millions, thanks to the success of his literary career. In 2025, his estate continues to generate revenue through the sale of his books, adaptations, and literary rights. Durrell’s works maintain a significant position in literary markets, contributing to ongoing earnings and making him a lasting figure in literature.
Career, Business and Investments
Durrell’s career spanned various genres, including novels, poetry, and travel writing. He is best known for his innovative narrative structures and rich, vivid descriptions of place, particularly in his novels set in Greece and the Mediterranean. His experiences living abroad greatly influenced his work, as seen in travelogues like Prospero's Cell.
In addition to writing, Durrell held various literary positions, including being a diplomat and working in public relations, providing him with unique insights into the geopolitical landscape of his time. His investment in literature paved the way for future authors and contributed to a rich legacy within the literary community.
In May 1945, Durrell obtained a posting to Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands that Italy had taken over from the disintegrating Ottoman Empire in 1912 during the Balkan Wars. With the Italian surrender to the Allies in 1943, German forces took over most of the islands and held onto them as besieged fortresses until the war's end.
Mainland Greece was at that time locked in civil war. A temporary British military government was established in the Dodecanese at war's end, pending sovereignty being transferred to Greece in 1947, as part of war reparations from Italy.
Durrell set up house with Eve in the little gatekeeper's lodge of an old Turkish cemetery, just across the road from the building used by the British Administration.
(Today this is the Casino in Rhodes' new town.) His co-habitation with Eve Cohen could be discreetly ignored by his employer, while the couple gained from staying within the perimeter security zone of the main building. His book Reflections on a Marine Venus was inspired by this period and was a lyrical celebration of the island.
It avoids more than a passing mention of the troubled war times.
Social Network
Although Lawrence Durrell was not part of our current digital age of social media, his literary works have sparked vibrant online discussions among literature aficionados and scholars. Numerous online forums, literary blogs, and social media groups engage fans of his writing, keeping his legacy alive in virtual communities. In 2025, the conversation around Durrell continues to thrive, with many catching wind of his profound impact on narrative structure and philosophical themes.
Like many other children of the British Raj, at the age of 11, Durrell was sent to England for schooling, where he briefly attended St Olave's Grammar School before being sent to St Edmund's School Canterbury. His formal education was unsuccessful, and he failed his university entrance examinations.
He began to write poetry seriously at the age of 15. His first collection, Quaint Fragments, was published in 1931, when he was 19 years old.
Education
Durrell was educated at St. Joseph's College in Darjeeling and later attended the University of London. His educational background, coupled with his extensive travels, informed much of his literary output. Durrell’s exposure to diverse cultures and languages enriched his writing, infusing his works with a unique perspective on the human condition.
In summary, Lawrence Durrell remains a key figure in the literary world, celebrated for his contributions to both fiction and poetry. His life’s work leaves a lasting impact that continues to inspire readers and writers in 2025, ensuring his place in the annals of literature remains prominent and revered.
His first school was St. Joseph's School, North Point, Darjeeling. He had three younger siblings — two brothers and a sister — naturalist Gerald Durrell, Leslie Durrell and author Margaret Durrell.
