E. F. Benson

NAME: E. F. Benson (Edward Frederic Benson),  He was always known as Fred.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: E. F. Benson was a renowned English writer known for his humorous and satirical novels, particularly the "Mapp and Lucia" series.

BIRTH: Edward Frederic Benson was born on July 24, 1867, in Wellington College, Berkshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Benson came from a distinguished literary and academic family. His father was the headmaster of Wellington College, and his siblings included the writer and Egyptologist, Margaret Benson, and the author and scholar, Arthur Christopher Benson.

Edward White Benson, was later Archbishop of Canterbury for 13 years and devised the Nine Lessons And Carols Christmas service that's now used worldwide.

His mother Mary Sidgwick Benson (nicknamed Minnie), was a brilliant woman once described as "the cleverest woman in Europe" by Prime Minister William Gladstone.

Arthur Benson, wrote the lyrics to Elgar's "Land Of Hope And Glory" in 1902.

Robert Hugh Benson, was an English Catholic priest and  author of several novels and Roman Catholic apologetic works. 

The Benson brothers

CHILDHOOD: Growing up in a scholarly environment, Benson was exposed to literature and learning from a young age. He witnessed his father's strict demeanor and his mother's eventual mental breakdown.

EDUCATION: He attended Marlborough College and later studied at King's College, Cambridge, where he developed his literary skills. Benson was a member of the prestigious Pitt Club at Cambridge.

CAREER RECORD: E. F. Benson's career as a writer was prolific and diverse. He wrote novels, biographies, and ghost stories, but he is best remembered for his humorous and observant novels set in small English towns. Here's his resume; 

Began writing while still a student, publishing his first book, Sketches from Marlborough, at a young age.

Achieved early success with his novel Dodo (1893), a satirical social commentary.

Authored nearly 100 books throughout his career, including biographies of Queen Victoria, William Gladstone, and William II of Germany.

Became an honorary fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, later in life.

APPEARANCE: Benson was described as a tall and elegant figure, often impeccably dressed in the fashion of his time.

E.F. Benson

FASHION: Being a man of refined tastes, Benson likely adhered to the fashion norms of his era, favoring formal and tailored attire.

CHARACTER: Benson was known for his wit, charm, and sociability. He had a keen eye for social nuances and human behavior, which he often incorporated into his writing.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Benson's writing is characterized by its sharp wit and clever satire, particularly evident in his Mapp and Lucia series.

RELATIONSHIPS: Benson had a close relationship with his family, especially his brother A. C. Benson, with whom he collaborated on several literary projects.

He had close friendships with literary figures and members of high society, including Oscar Wilde and Margot Asquith.

Benson was an intensely discreet homosexual. He never married and had no children.

MONEY AND FAME: Benson achieved financial success through his writing, allowing him to live a comfortable life.

He enjoyed a degree of fame as a popular author, but not necessarily the level of celebrity sought by some.

FOOD AND DRINK: Benson enjoyed good food and drink, which often featured prominently in his novels, adding to the social and domestic settings.

MUSIC AND ARTS: He had an appreciation for the arts and cultural life, which influenced the settings and characters in his novels.

LITERATURE: As a prolific author, Benson contributed significantly to English literature, particularly through his humorous and keenly observed novels.

Benson churned out books like a one-man printing press – nearly 100 of them in his lifetime!  He wasn't fussy about genre, either, bouncing between hilarious social satires, spooky ghost stories, biographies of important folks (like Queen Victoria, no less), and even spilling the beans on his own life.

But Benson's real claim to fame is the "Mapp and Lucia" series. These novels are side-splitting chronicles of social climbing set in a fictional English seaside town.  Think "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" with a healthy dose of Jane Austen, and you're on the right track. Benson mercilessly poked fun at the upper classes, using his razor-sharp wit to expose their ridiculous antics and desperate attempts to outdo one another.

Of course, there's more to Benson than just Mapp and Lucia. He wrote stacks of other cracking novels, like Dodo and Mrs. Ames, that showed his talent for storytelling went way beyond satire. And he wasn't afraid to dabble in non-fiction either. He tackled biographies of bigwigs and even wrote a bit of history on the side, including a look at Athens, just to prove he wasn't all jokes and seaside squabbles.

NATURE: Benson had an affinity for the English countryside, often depicting its landscapes and seasons vividly in his writing.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Benson enjoyed gardening and traveling, both of which provided inspiration for his writing.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not primarily focused on science or mathematics in his work, Benson's writing often reflected a keen interest in human behavior and social dynamics.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Benson's work occasionally touched on philosophical and spiritual themes, but his primary focus was on satire and social commentary.

SCANDAL: There are no notable scandals associated with Benson's personal or professional life.

HOMES: Benson didn't settle in one place for too long. He lived in various locations throughout England, including London and Rye (where he served as mayor).

In London, Benson lived at 395 Oxford Street, W1, where much of the action of Lucia in London occurs. 

He spent time in other locations like Rye, in East Sussex, seeking inspiration and enjoying the change of scenery. Below is Lamb House, home of E. F. Benson and model for "Mallards" in the Lucia series

Photographed by Elizabeth B. Thomsen Wikipedia

TRAVEL: Benson traveled extensively, which provided him with material for his writing and enriched his observations of society.

DEATH: E. F. Benson passed away on February 29, 1940, in London, England, aged 72. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: His novels, particularly the "Mapp and Lucia" series, continue to be enjoyed by readers worldwide. Their comedic brilliance and timeless social commentary ensure their continued relevance.

Several of Benson's novels have been adapted for film and television, further extending his reach to new audiences.

ACHIEVEMENTS: E. F. Benson's enduring legacy lies in his witty and insightful portrayal of English society, particularly in the "Mapp and Lucia" series, which remains beloved by readers for its humor and keen observations of human nature. His contribution to English literature continues to be celebrated for its enduring charm and entertainment value.