John Carey, a towering figure in the literary world, has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that straddled academia and journalism. But who was this intellectual giant, and why was he so revered?
Carey's career was a unique blend of academic prowess and journalistic flair. As an Oxford don for four decades, he held the prestigious Merton professorship for 25 years. Simultaneously, he spent half a century as a literary critic for the Sunday Times, earning a reputation as a formidable and fearless reviewer. His writing style was as sharp as a scythe, and he wielded it against any form of elitism or pretension that he believed hindered the public's enjoyment of literature.
But here's where it gets controversial... Carey's no-holds-barred approach often sparked debates. His scathing critique of Clive James' work, 'The Metropolitan Critic', left James reeling for decades. And his review of Martin Green's book, 'Children of the Sun', began with a blunt condemnation of its characters. This fearless style raised the question: was Carey a hero for speaking truth to power, or a controversial figure who went too far?
Born into a middle-class family in Barnes, London, Carey's early life was marked by financial struggles during the Depression. However, his academic brilliance shone through, leading him to Oxford and a congratulatory first in English Literature. His time at Christ Church, where he was snubbed by a distinguished economist, likely influenced his anti-elitist stance.
Carey's scholarly work focused on Victorian literature, with groundbreaking studies on Dickens and Thackeray. But it was his essays and criticism that truly captured the public's imagination. He argued that 20th-century British culture was manipulated by tastemakers obsessed with modernism, an idea explored in his books 'The Intellectuals and the Masses' and 'What Good Are the Arts?'
And this is the part most people miss... Carey's essay 'Down With the Dons' was a scathing attack on his own profession, a move that could only be pulled off by an insider. This insider's perspective, combined with his academic rigor, made his writing both accessible and authoritative.
Carey's bibliography is extensive, including anthologies, acclaimed biographies, and literary studies. His passion for literature was infectious, and he was known for his generosity and courtesy, especially towards his students. Yet, his impatience with dissenting opinions was also noted, particularly during his time as a Man Booker prize chair.
In a world of diminishing print media, Carey stood as a giant, admired by students and critics alike. His contributions to literature and journalism will forever be etched in the annals of intellectual history. And the question remains: was John Carey a champion of the people or a controversial critic? The debate, much like his legacy, continues.
